Lemon Butter Sauce for Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bright, tangy flavors and complements chicken perfectly, look no further than this Lemon Butter Sauce for Chicken!

The savory parmesan-crusted chicken breast pairs beautifully with the rich and tangy lemon butter sauce,

making it the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The sauce adds a silky, citrusy punch that will have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry with paper towels
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 Tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the Parmesan Breading Mixture:

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools at hand. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything turns out just as delicious as you expect:

1. Meat Mallet: To evenly flatten the chicken breasts, a meat mallet is an essential tool. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and is tender throughout.
2. Bowls for Dipping: You’ll need two separate bowls to prepare the egg mixture and the parmesan breading mixture. This keeps the breading process neat and efficient.
3. Instant Read Thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked chicken is knowing the internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer will help you ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
4. Skillet: A large skillet is necessary to cook the chicken until crispy and golden. Cast iron or non-stick works well for even cooking.
5. Saucepan: For the lemon butter sauce, a small saucepan will allow you to melt the butter and combine the flavors smoothly.

Having these tools on hand will make cooking this dish easier and more enjoyable, leading to a perfect, restaurant-quality meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Lemon Butter Sauce for Chicken

Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to make sure your lemon butter sauce and crispy chicken are absolutely perfect.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut and Tenderize the Chicken
   Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Next, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps ensure it cooks quickly and evenly, so you get a golden, crispy crust and juicy interior.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will help the parmesan breading adhere to the chicken, creating a delicious crust.
3. Make the Parmesan Breading
   In a separate bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and flour. This mixture will give your chicken that irresistible, crispy coating that pairs so well with the zesty lemon sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken
   Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dredge it in the parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks. Let any excess fall off before you cook it.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should reach 165°F. If the chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning.
2. Drain and Keep Warm
   Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can keep it warm by covering it loosely with aluminum foil while you make the lemon butter sauce.

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce and Serving

Now that the chicken is crispy and golden, it’s time to create that luscious lemon butter sauce that will take this dish to the next level. This sauce is quick to prepare, and the bright, tangy lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Preparing the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Lemon Juice and Chicken Broth
   Next, pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth. Stir the ingredients together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes. This will help the flavors blend and thicken slightly.
3. Season the Sauce
   Add the ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning depending on how tangy or rich you like your sauce. If you prefer more citrus, feel free to add a little extra lemon juice!
4. Coat the Chicken with Sauce
   Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked chicken, turning each piece to coat evenly. This will give the chicken a glossy, flavorful finish and infuse it with the delicious lemony goodness.

Garnishing and Serving

For a final touch, garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices and finely chopped parsley. The lemon slices add a lovely decorative element, while the parsley provides a burst of color and freshness.

This lemon butter sauce for chicken pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. The crispy, cheesy chicken combined with the tangy, buttery sauce creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious and easy-to-make lemon butter sauce for chicken that will impress your family or guests. With the crispy, parmesan-breaded chicken and the zesty, rich sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Enjoy every bite!