Looking for a tasty dinner idea? Let me introduce you to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish packs fresh, zesty flavors and is simple to make. You'll love how easy it is to prepare this mouthwatering meal, using just a few key ingredients. Ready to impress your family? Keep reading to discover the steps and tips for cooking chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon and garlic creates a bright and refreshing flavor that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, pasta, or vegetables.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with parsley and lemon slices, this dish looks beautiful and is sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Measurement Conversions
- 1 stick of butter = ½ cup
- ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
- 1 clove garlic = about 1 teaspoon minced
Tips for Selecting Fresh Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Look for firm, pink meat. Avoid any that look dull or have dark spots.
- Garlic: Choose garlic that is firm and free of mold. Avoid any soft or sprouted cloves.
- Lemons: Pick lemons that feel heavy for their size, with a smooth skin. They should be bright yellow and firm.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs should be vibrant and fragrant. Look for bright green parsley and keep it cool until use.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. Check the date for freshness.
Selecting the best ingredients makes your lemon garlic butter chicken shine. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of dried oregano and thyme. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.
Melting the Butter and Sautéing the Garlic
Take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add half a cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Watch it as it melts. Swirl the skillet gently for even melting. Once the butter is melted, add six cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one to two minutes. Stir it well to avoid burning. You want it fragrant but not brown.
Cooking the Chicken and Checking Doneness
Now, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for six to seven minutes. Look for a golden-brown color. While cooking, baste the chicken with the butter-garlic sauce. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle some of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Seasonings
To make your lemon garlic butter chicken even better, try adding more herbs. Fresh rosemary or basil can bring a nice touch. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experiment with flavors to find what you love best.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy chicken. Also, avoid skipping the resting time. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes keeps it moist.
Basting Techniques for Moist Chicken
Basting is key for moist chicken. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter and garlic mixture over the chicken while it cooks. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Try to baste every few minutes for the best results.
Pro Tips
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the seasoned chicken breasts to sit for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and lemons. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste of the dish significantly.
- Baste for Flavor: As the chicken cooks, regularly baste it with the lemon garlic butter sauce. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. Consider serving it with a crisp white wine for a complete meal experience.
Variations
Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal
You can add vegetables to make this dish a full meal. Think about using broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. Chop the veggies into small pieces. Sauté them in the butter before adding the chicken. This way, they soak up that rich flavor. Plus, they add color and nutrition.
Substituting Chicken with Other Proteins
If you want to switch things up, try using fish or shrimp. Salmon works well with lemon and garlic. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Shrimp cooks faster, so just 2-3 minutes per side will do. Both options will still taste amazing with the lemon garlic butter.
Alternative Herbs and Flavor Profiles
Feel free to get creative with herbs. You can use fresh rosemary or basil instead of oregano and thyme. These herbs will give the dish a different taste. You might also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Mixing flavors keeps the meal exciting and fresh!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers Safely
After enjoying your meal, it's important to store leftovers properly. Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been there.
Reheating Techniques
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, use gentle heat for reheating. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also reheat it on the stove. Just add a bit of butter or oil to a skillet and warm it gently.
Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to save some chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Before freezing, let the chicken cool completely. Cut it into smaller pieces for easy thawing. Place the pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long to cook lemon garlic butter chicken?
You should cook lemon garlic butter chicken for 12 to 14 minutes. This includes about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken for this recipe. Skin-on chicken adds extra flavor and moisture. Just be aware that skin-on chicken may require a few extra minutes of cooking. Adjust your cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through.
What to serve with lemon garlic butter chicken?
Lemon garlic butter chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken nicely. Enjoy mixing and matching for your perfect meal!
Lemon garlic butter chicken is easy and tasty. You learned about the right ingredients, how to cook it, and tips for success. I shared ways to add flavor, how to avoid problems, and ideas for variations. Storing leftovers and reheating them is simple too. With these instructions, you can impress your family and friends. Now, you have the tools to make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking and have fu
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 piece zest of fresh lemon
- 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
- for garnish lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of both dried oregano and thyme. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the skillet occasionally for even melting.
- Sauté Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, ensuring to stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Lemon: Incorporate the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice into the garlic butter mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook Chicken: Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook them for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they are golden-brown and cooked through. During this time, baste the chicken with the butter-garlic mixture to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check Doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Final Touches: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle some of the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: On a serving platter, arrange the butter-basted chicken, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and decorative lemon slices for a vibrant and inviting presentation.
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