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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided - 1 medium lemon (zest and juice) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped When making Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts, you need fresh, simple ingredients. The chicken breasts form the base of the dish. I always choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking. The unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Using a whole lemon gives the dish a bright, zesty punch. For seasoning, I rely on garlic, thyme, and oregano. These herbs complement the lemon well. Salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the overall taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delightful meal that is tasty and simple! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. - Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. - Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - Squeeze the lemon juice and add the zest to deglaze the skillet, scraping the bottom. - Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until it melts and forms a sauce. - Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. - Let the chicken rest in the sauce for about 5 minutes before serving. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. To get a golden-brown crust on your chicken, start with a hot skillet. Use medium heat and let the butter melt completely. When you add the chicken, do not move it for the first few minutes. This helps form that nice crust. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes. If the chicken sticks, it is not ready to flip. Taste your sauce as you go. After adding lemon juice, adjust the salt and pepper. If the sauce is too tart, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors. You want a bright taste that enhances the chicken, not overpowers it. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Always ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Pro Tips Rest Your Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes after baking. This helps it absorb the flavors and stay juicy. Use Fresh Herbs: For an even brighter flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or chives along with the parsley for garnish. Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Try Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique twist on the lemon butter sauce. {{image_4}} You can change the chicken for different tastes. - Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. - Try herbs like rosemary or basil for new flavors. You can cook this dish in other ways. - Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. - Use a slow cooker for easy, tender chicken. Pair this dish with tasty sides for a complete meal. - Serve with fluffy rice for a filling option. - Add steamed vegetables for a healthy crunch. After enjoying your lemon butter chicken, let it cool down. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure you cover it well to keep it fresh. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. If you want the best taste, eat it within two days. To reheat your chicken, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the chicken moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you want a quick method, you can also microwave it. Just add a splash of water on top and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking often, until warmed through. If you want to save lemon butter chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. You can try using oil instead of butter. Olive oil works well. Coconut oil can add a slight sweetness. If you want a dairy-free option, use ghee or vegan butter. These alternatives can give you a nice flavor too. Yes, you can add many veggies! Try using spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Zucchini or asparagus also work great. Just chop them small and add them to the skillet while cooking. They will soak up some of the tasty lemon butter sauce. Cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Generally, it takes 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. If your breasts are thicker, they may need extra time. This blog post detailed how to prepare a tasty lemon butter chicken dish. We covered key ingredients like chicken, butter, and spices. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for the best sear, and variations to customize your meal. Storing and reheating tips ensure no leftovers go to waste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and methods to make this dish your own. With practice, you’ll create a delicious meal every time. Get cooking and delight your taste buds with this easy recipe!

Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts with Fresh Herbs

A delicious chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the chicken.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and place it over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and start bubbling gently.
  • While the butter melts, season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, freshly ground pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
  • Once the butter is bubbling, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until a nice golden-brown crust forms.
  • After searing, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds. Stir continuously until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
  • Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the skillet and add the lemon zest, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and incorporate all those flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
  • Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until it melts, blending it smoothly with the lemon juice and garlic to create a sauce.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and spooning some of the lemon butter mixture over the tops.
  • Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with additional parsley and lemon wedges for presentation.
Keyword butter, chicken, herbs, lemon