This Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that delivers tender, juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, this recipe is packed with flavors that everyone will love. The combination of fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs adds a refreshing twist, while the butter helps to keep the chicken moist and succulent.

“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” — Auguste Escoffier

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step helps to develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more even cooking.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them to allow a nice golden-brown crust to form. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the chicken broth (or white wine, if using) to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the butter to melt completely and the flavors to combine into a rich sauce.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top of each breast.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce from the skillet.

Serving Suggestions:

• Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to keep the meal healthy and colorful.
• Rice or Potatoes: A side of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes is perfect to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this rich chicken dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 10% of the daily value
• Vitamin C: 20% of the daily value
• Calcium: 2% of the daily value
• Iron: 8% of the daily value

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs:

1. Flavor-packed: The garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, herbs, and garlic is rich, flavorful, and a perfect complement to the tender chicken. Each bite is packed with savory goodness.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
3. Versatile: This dish pairs well with almost any side dish, from vegetables to potatoes to pasta. You can customize it to fit any dietary preference or what you have on hand.
4. Healthy Protein: Chicken is a lean protein, and when paired with a light garlic butter sauce, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal without being overly rich or heavy.
5. Elegant for Special Occasions: Despite being quick and easy, this dish has an elegant presentation, making it perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even basil can be used for variations. Adding a little Parmesan cheese to the sauce can also enhance the flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or even some chopped jalapeños to the chicken while it’s cooking.
• Rest the Chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making the chicken even more tender.

Make-Ahead Option:

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and cook the chicken fresh. This is a great option for meal prepping or busy days.

Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
• Herb-Infused Butter: For an even more intense herbal flavor, infuse the butter with fresh garlic, thyme, and rosemary by gently heating it in a small pan before using it in the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, pressing them to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a mouthwatering, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe is sure to please. The rich garlic butter sauce paired with the fresh lemon and herbs is a timeless combination that brings out the best in chicken, making this dish one you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation!