What To Know
- The butter sauce is made with a combination of melted butter, lemon juice, and capers, and it is spooned over the chicken before serving.
- To make the dish even more savory, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
Lemon chicken recipe with butter sauce is a classic dish that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon with the richness of butter to create a tantalizing main course. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then pan-fried until golden brown. The butter sauce is made with a combination of melted butter, lemon juice, and capers, and it is spooned over the chicken before serving. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, and capers. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the white wine to the skillet (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add the chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
6. Serve immediately over rice or pasta.
Tips
- For a more flavorful sauce, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can use chicken broth or water instead.
- To make the dish even more savory, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
- If you want a crispy chicken, be sure to cook it over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides.
- For a more tender chicken, cook it over medium heat until cooked through.
Variations
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
- For a more herby dish, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme or oregano to the butter sauce.
- For a more creamy sauce, add a quarter cup of heavy cream to the butter sauce.
- For a more tangy sauce, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve lemon chicken recipe with butter sauce over rice or pasta.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Serve with a side salad or soup.
Storage
- Leftover lemon chicken recipe with butter sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave the chicken in a covered container until heated through.
The Perfect Pairing: Lemon Chicken Recipe with Butter Sauce and Sauvignon Blanc
Lemon chicken recipe with butter sauce is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. However, one of the best pairings is Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp, citrusy flavors of Sauvignon Blanc complement the tangy lemon sauce, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the butter.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are a bit more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, but they take a little longer to cook.
Q: What can I use instead of capers?
A: If you don’t have capers on hand, you can use chopped olives or pickles instead.
Q: Can I make the dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lemon chicken recipe with butter sauce ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat until heated through.
