Lemon Butter Chicken – Easy & Crispy

This Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and a zesty, buttery sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the skin crispy. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken, skin-side down, into the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving the chicken, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Let the butter melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add Lemon and Simmer

Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Serve

Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to serving plates. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Success:

• Get Crispy Skin: To ensure the skin is extra crispy, make sure the chicken is patted dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan.

• Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion: Simple, Flavorful, and Crispy

Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy skin, tender chicken, and a rich, lemony butter sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.