Lemon Butter Chicken
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Savor lemon butter chicken, a dish rich in protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs that support overall health and digestion.
Lemon Chicken
Let’s look at what’s going on in this recipe! So many things that maybe the naked eye won’t absorb!
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Lean Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are high in protein and low in saturated fat—great for muscle repair and metabolism.
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Healthy Fats: Butter in moderation adds flavor and satiety. Use grass-fed or a mix of butter and olive oil for healthier fat profiles.
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Liver-Loving Lemon: Lemon juice supports digestion and liver detox, plus adds vitamin C.
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Capers: Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, capers have anti-inflammatory properties and a bold, briny flavor.
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Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary bring phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Simple Chicken Piccata Recipe
Now you could say this recipe is like a simpler form of chicken piccata!
And, yes, I do have a more traditional chicken picatta recipe with the rich velvety gravy! If that’s what you want, then just click here!
Lemon Garlic Chicken
There’s nothing easier than pan searing chicken in a hot, preferably cast iron, skillet.
With this recipe, you certainly can use chicken thighs. And, if you like, bone in and skin on. But, boneless chicken thighs will bring fabulous flavors with the lemon butter sauce, too!
Lemon Butter Chicken
Why is this lemon butter chicken so easy to make. Here are a few reasons!
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One-pan wonder—minimal cleanup!
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Takes under 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Uses pantry staples: butter, lemon, garlic, capers, herbs, chicken.
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No special equipment—just a skillet and some tongs.
Tasty Lemon Chicken
Now what would I serve with it? Well, the obvious thing is pasta, but if you’re adventurous and want to look at other things then here are some ideas.
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Garlic sautéed spinach or kale – light and pairs well with the sauce.
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Steamed or roasted asparagus – a zesty complement to lemon flavors.
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Cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes – great for soaking up the buttery lemon sauce.
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Quinoa or farro – adds fiber and balances the meal.
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Crispy roasted baby potatoes – if you want comfort food energy.
Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken
There’s a lot of nutritional value in this recipe. And, here are ‘estimates’ of that value. Other things can skew these estimates. But, overall, this is one healthy recipe.
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Calories: ~300–350 kcal
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Protein: 30–35g
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Fat: 18–22g (depending on butter quantity)
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Carbs: 2–4g (mostly from lemon juice or optional flour dusting)
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Sodium: Moderate—watch if salt-sensitive due to capers
Lemon Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 (1.5 to 1.75 lbs.) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, if the breasts are thick, slice them through the center and butterfly
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 Tbl. butter, salted, divided
- 1 large lemon, juice only
- 1/2 cup basil and Italian parlsey, chopped well
- 1/2 cup capers
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breasts. Mix the spices, salt, garlic, onion powder, and pepper together, and equally sprinkle on both sides of the chicken. Pat into the meat.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat. Pour the olive oil, add the butter, let it melt. Add the chicken breasts. Pan sear on medium high about 5-6 minutes or until you get a nice golden brown on the chicken. Flip to the other side and pan sear another 5-6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and let the meat cook until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. It should not take long.
- Melt the remaining butter in a small sauce pan on medium low heat then, let it cool. Add the juice of the lemon and blend well. Pour over the chicken in the skillet and then top with the fresh herbs and capers. Serve immediately!
Notes
If you can source pasture-raised chicken, then that's preferable. Everyone's budget varies, so look for the healthiest chicken that you can purchase.



What a delicious recipe! I tried your lemon‑butter chicken yesterday the sauce was creamy, tangy and the chicken turned out super tender. I especially liked how simple the ingredients are, yet the result feels restaurant‑level. Would love to try this with a side of garlic bread or steamed veggies next time. Thanks for sharing this definitely bookmarking for future dinners!
What a great message, and thank you! xo ally
I wanted to let you know I made this last night and it was delicious! My son also loved it! Thank you so much for the delicious recipe.
Mendy!!! You’ve made my day, darlin! Thank you and your sweet son! It’s so simple and elegant! Thanks also for taking time to come back and LMK! xoxx ally