This Lemon Butter Chicken has become a regular at my dinner table for a reason. There’s something undeniably comforting about golden, juicy chicken nestled in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, all brightened with a splash of fresh lemon. The way it fills the kitchen with warmth—like you’re in your grandmother’s house on a Sunday—gets me every single time. Now, I’m no stranger to fuss-free cooking, and this recipe is exactly that. Simple ingredients? Check. Easy cleanup? Check. Dinner on the table before anyone can say “takeout”? Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for Easy Lemon Chicken or craving something that tastes like it took hours (but didn’t), this is it. It hits all the right notes—savory, citrusy, buttery—and you can bet this will earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s one of those recipes with butter that somehow makes you feel like you’ve cooked something special. And hey, if you’re into Healthy Lemon Chicken or even scrolling for Peanut Butter Recipes Easy (guilty), you’ll love how this fits right into that cozy, flavor-packed home cooking vibe we’re all chasing.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Lemon Butter Chicken
6) Making Lemon Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Lemon Butter Chicken
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Lemon Butter Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick skillet meal with garlic, herbs, and lemon butter.
Ready in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples.
Great option for a weeknight dinner or Sunday comfort dish.
Chicken thighs keep things juicy and full of flavor.

2) Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

This recipe came together one weeknight when my brain and pantry both felt a little empty. I had chicken thighs, a lemon that was on its last leg, and—thankfully—butter. The result? A new favorite that somehow feels comforting and refreshing at the same time. Lemon Butter Chicken makes you feel like you cooked with care, even when you didn’t overthink it.

Two things sold me on this dish immediately. One, it all happens in one pan. Less cleanup is always a win. And two, it’s fast. Like, “they’re-already-asking-what’s-for-dinner” fast. The garlic and herbs give it depth, and that buttery lemon sauce? Yeah, it begs to be mopped up with crusty bread. You’ll want to grab a spoon too, no shame.

Whether you’ve made Easy Lemon Chicken before or you’re just here for something low-fuss that still delivers, this recipe keeps it simple but satisfying. Plus, you won’t need any weird ingredients. It’s just one of those recipes with butter that somehow always feels like a little win in the kitchen.

3) Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs here. They’re juicy, forgiving, and soak up flavor like champs. If you only have breasts, just keep an eye so they don’t go dry.

Olive Oil: A bit of oil helps brown the chicken evenly. You get that golden crust without smoking out your kitchen.

Unsalted Butter: Butter gives the sauce its name. You’ll divide it up, some for cooking, some for swirling in at the end. That finishing touch makes all the difference.

Salt and Black Pepper: This simple seasoning makes the chicken pop. Don’t be shy here. It’s your base flavor.

Garlic: Four cloves, freshly minced. It adds punch without overpowering. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Dried Oregano and Thyme: These herbs do a lot with a little. They play so well with garlic and lemon. I use dried to keep things simple.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat helps balance the richness. If you’re spice-sensitive, you can skip it—or just go easy.

Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed. It brightens everything and cuts through the butter like a charm. Don’t use the bottled stuff here.

Fresh Parsley: Tossed on top before serving. It adds color and a pop of freshness. Plus, it just looks good on the plate.

4) How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and shimmer, but don’t let it burn.

Step 2. Season both sides of your chicken with salt and pepper. Drop them into the pan and let them sear without moving, about five to six minutes each side.

Step 3. Once cooked through and golden, pull the chicken out. Set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe the pan—we need those little brown bits.

Step 4. Add the rest of the butter. Toss in the garlic, oregano, thyme, and pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. You’ll know when it’s ready—it’ll hit your nose.

Step 5. Pour in the lemon juice and let it bubble. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape the pan. That’s where all the flavor hides.

Step 6. Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over it. Let it hang out for another minute or two until everything’s warmed through.

Step 7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve straight from the skillet or plate it up with your favorite side.

5) Tips for Making Lemon Butter Chicken

Let the chicken come to room temperature first. If it’s too cold, it cooks unevenly. Nobody wants dry edges and raw centers.

Don’t overcrowd your skillet. Work in batches if needed. You want that sear, not steam. A crowded pan gives soggy results.

Taste the sauce before serving. A little extra lemon or pinch of salt can adjust it just right. Recipes with butter tend to mellow, so you might need to bring the brightness back up.

6) Making Lemon Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and reheat gently on the stove. Keep the heat low so the butter doesn’t split.

If you’re meal-prepping, store the chicken and sauce separately. Combine them while reheating to keep things from going soggy or losing texture.

This Easy Lemon Chicken makes weekday lunches better. Pair it with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies for a quick fix meal with flavor that holds up well overnight.

7) Storing Leftover Lemon Butter Chicken

Pack any leftovers into an airtight container once it’s cooled. It’ll keep in the fridge for three to four days.

Reheat in a pan over low heat, or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

This Healthy Lemon Chicken still tastes good the next day. The garlic and lemon mellow out, and it’s great in wraps or over salad.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Lemon Butter Chicken