Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick and Tangy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling skillets and aromatic kitchens come alive with this irresistible lemon garlic butter chicken recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts dance with zesty citrus and rich, golden butter in a symphony of flavors.

The recipe blends tangy lemon notes with robust garlic undertones, creating a dish that sings with simplicity and elegance.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of brightness and depth, making weeknight dinners feel like gourmet experiences.

Succulent chicken emerges from the pan with a golden, crispy exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum deliciousness, proving that great cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Dinner is about to get a seriously delectable upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 382 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Success

For Roasting Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts achieve golden, crispy edges and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts.
For Chicken Preparation:
  • Chicken Tenderloins: Lean protein that absorbs flavors quickly; choose fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken, creating a complex flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that introduces Mediterranean-inspired aromatic complexity.
  • Chili Flakes: Provides gentle heat and subtle spiciness to balance the rich butter sauce.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver intense, pungent flavor; choose firm, plump bulbs without sprouts.
  • Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds refreshing tang; select firm, heavy fruits with smooth skin.
  • Butter: Creates luxurious, silky sauce; opt for high-quality unsalted butter for better flavor control.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings vibrant color and light, peppery freshness to the final dish.

Tools to Sauté Lemon Garlic Chicken Right

  • Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for roasting Brussels sprouts.
  • Large Cast-Iron Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating sauce.
  • Medium Bowl: Used for tossing Brussels sprouts with oil and seasonings.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting chicken and parsley.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving chicken while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurately portioning seasonings and butter.

How to Prepare Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven to create the perfect roasting environment for Brussels sprouts.

  • Sprout Seasoning

Coat Brussels sprouts with a light olive oil massage, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for zesty flavor.

  • Roasting Magic

Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re facing down to achieve a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

  • Chicken Flavor Profile

Slice chicken into delicate strips and dust with smoky spices that will make taste buds dance.

  • Sizzling Skillet Action

Heat a cast-iron skillet and create a golden sear on each chicken piece, developing rich, deep flavors.

  • Sauce Symphony

Lower the heat and introduce a melody of garlic, lemon, Italian herbs, and a generous butter splash to create a silky coating.

  • Final Flourish

Combine roasted Brussels sprouts with the chicken, allowing every morsel to get wrapped in the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce.

  • Herbal Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish, adding a bright, fresh note to complete this culinary adventure.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Dishes

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Combine the succulent lemon garlic butter chicken with the crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for a harmonious and colorful meal that delivers both texture and taste.
  • Herbal Brightness Boost: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or chopped chives over the dish to enhance the vibrant green colors and add a fresh, zesty finish to the lemony chicken.
  • Mediterranean-Style Accompaniment: Serve the chicken and Brussels sprouts alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a light Greek salad to create a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that complements the dish's bright flavors.
  • Protein Pairing Suggestion: Add a side of quinoa, wild rice, or couscous to make the meal more substantial and provide a complementary base that soaks up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Best Practices for Saving and Reheating Chicken

  • Weekend Batch Cooking: Prepare this chicken dish in larger quantities during weekend meal prep sessions. Divide into individual containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.
  • Refrigerator Smart Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight glass containers for maximum freshness. The chicken and Brussels sprouts will stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate chicken and vegetables before freezing to prevent soggy textures. Pack in sealed freezer bags, removing excess air, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
  • Quick Reheat Techniques: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the crispy edges of chicken and Brussels sprouts. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, ensuring the dish tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

Garlic, Lemon & Butter Tips to Adjust Flavor

  • Pound chicken to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on personal heat preference, from mild to fiery hot for adventurous palates.
  • Replace chicken tenderloins with shrimp, tofu, or white fish for a versatile meal that keeps the same zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
  • Incorporate sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus alongside Brussels sprouts for a more colorful and nutritious plate.
  • Prep roasted Brussels sprouts and season chicken in advance, then quickly sauté just before serving to save time during busy weeknights.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken delivers Mediterranean flavor with zesty citrus and rich herb-infused notes. Crispy skinned chicken promises a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken tenderloins, skinless, boneless
  • 12 oz (340 g) brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, yellow leaves removed
  • 4 tbsps butter, divided
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes, or to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Roast Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper, positioning rack in center position for even heat distribution.
  2. Brussels Sprouts Seasoning: Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete and uniform coating for optimal caramelization.
  3. Roasting Process: Arrange sprouts cut-side down on prepared baking sheet, creating space between each piece to promote crispy texture and golden-brown edges.
  4. Chicken Preparation: Season chicken tenderloins with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, allowing spices to create a flavorful exterior crust.
  5. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing chicken pieces to develop golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal moisture.
  6. Sauce Development: Reduce skillet heat, introduce Italian seasoning, chili flakes, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant and aromatic pan sauce.
  7. Butter Incorporation: Add butter to skillet, allowing it to melt and blend with herbs and spices, creating a rich, glossy coating that enhances chicken’s flavor profile.
  8. Final Combination: Combine roasted Brussels sprouts with chicken, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage and harmonious flavor integration.
  9. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous element to the dish and creating an visually appealing final touch.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down to guarantee maximum caramelization and crispy texture.
  • Searing Secrets: Use a cast-iron skillet for perfect golden-brown chicken that’s juicy inside and crisp outside.
  • Sauce Mastery: Add butter and herbs off direct heat to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
  • Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley at the end for a vibrant, herbal finish that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 382
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 108 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star