Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Meal

Say goodbye to complicated dinners and hello to this incredible skillet garlic lemon butter chicken recipe! Perfectly crispy, parmesan-dusted chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then coated in a vibrant lemon butter sauce. With green beans cooked right in the same pan, cleanup is a breeze. This is quick, flavorful cooking at its absolute best – a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Are you constantly searching for dinner recipes that are both incredibly delicious and unbelievably fast? Then you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m thrilled to share a Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken recipe that is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a dish that masterfully balances rich flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave something truly satisfying.

This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a culinary delight. We start by coating them in a magical blend of parmesan and flour, which creates an irresistibly crispy exterior when pan-seared in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil. While the chicken cooks to juicy perfection, a bright and zesty lemon butter sauce comes together in minutes. Finally, we bring it all together with tender-crisp green beans, cooked in the same pan to soak up all those incredible flavors. Before you know it, you’ll be calling the family to the table, ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss!

For me, quick and easy dinners aren’t just a convenience; they’re a way of life. They allow more time for family, relaxation, and simply enjoying the act of eating good food without the stress of extensive prep or a mountain of dishes. This skillet chicken recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly, delivering maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

If this recipe seems a little familiar to dedicated followers, it’s because it’s a delightful evolution of my previously shared Honey Lemon Chicken. For this version, I’ve amplified the savory notes by swapping out the honey for extra garlic and a more generous blend of Italian herbs. The addition of parmesan cheese to the flour dredging mix is a game-changer, ensuring those coveted crispy bits and an extra layer of savory depth that truly elevates the chicken.

It’s no secret that effortless dinners are my absolute favorite to create and share. You might already be familiar with my other popular one-pan wonders like the One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce or the comforting Balsamic Tomato Baked Chicken. Do you see a pattern emerging? I’m constantly experimenting and perfecting new chicken recipes, all with the goal of bringing you quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dishes. And judging by your enthusiasm, it seems you love easy weeknight dinner recipes just as much as we do!

The beauty of this Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity and efficiency: Easy prep, easy cleanup, and incredibly flavorful results. Check, check, and check!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Beyond its speed and simplicity, there are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish:

• Crispy, Juicy Chicken: The parmesan and flour coating creates a golden, crispy crust while locking in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
• Zesty & Rich Sauce: The lemon butter sauce is the star – bright, tangy, and luxuriously smooth, it perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, from the chicken to the green beans, drastically cutting down on dish duty.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s faster than takeout but infinitely more satisfying and homemade.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or even gluten-free alternatives, making it perfect for various dietary preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Butter Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic meal. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already!

• All-purpose flour: The base for our crispy coating. You can use a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
• Grated parmesan: Adds incredible flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the chicken.
• Olive oil: Essential for pan-searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
• Seasonings (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper): A simple yet powerful blend that infuses the chicken and sauce with aromatic flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star of our dish. Ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Lemon slices: Used for sautéing to infuse more lemon flavor into the pan and for a beautiful garnish.
• Green beans: Our chosen vegetable, adding a lovely crisp-tender texture and fresh green color.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and retain moisture incredibly well, resulting in a very tender dish. Just be sure to use an equivalent amount of chicken (around 1 ¼ pounds) and adjust cooking times slightly as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through. The method remains the same, ensuring you still get those delicious crispy edges and succulent meat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, no, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, making it gluten-free is incredibly easy! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix, or for a simpler option, use regular cornstarch. Both alternatives will help create a lovely crust on the chicken and thicken the sauce beautifully without any gluten. Just ensure any other pre-made seasonings you use are also certified gluten-free.

Mastering Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

The key to perfect Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken lies in beautifully seared, juicy chicken. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or GF alternative), grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture will create our crispy crust.
2. Coat the Chicken: Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and coat both sides thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour – a thin, even coat is what you’re aiming for. This prevents a gummy texture and promotes crispiness.
3. Heat the Pan: Place your skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. A hot pan is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sear.
4. Sear to Perfection: Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move them too soon, as this is when the crust develops. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
5. Check for Doneness: The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. If you’re unsure, the best way to check is with a meat thermometer; poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

Crafting the Irresistible Lemon Butter Sauce

This vibrant sauce is the heart of the dish, adding a burst of tangy, savory richness that ties everything together. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet tastes incredibly gourmet.

Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• Fresh lemon juice: Essential for that bright, zesty tang. Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
• Minced or pressed garlic: Adds an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the lemon.
• Red pepper flakes: A subtle touch of heat that awakens the palate without overwhelming it. Adjust to your preference.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall savory profile.
• Cold butter, cut into small pieces: The star of our sauce-thickening technique. Cold butter is key for proper emulsification.

How to Make the Silky Lemon Butter Sauce

Creating this rich, velvety lemon butter sauce is a simple yet elegant technique that yields incredible results. Here’s how to do it:

1. Simmer Aromatics: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the Liquid: Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce until you have roughly three tablespoons of liquid remaining. This concentration intensifies the lemon and garlic flavors. This step usually takes no more than 1-2 minutes, so keep a close eye on it.
3. Emulsify with Cold Butter (Monté au Beurre): This is the secret to a restaurant-quality sauce! Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the cold butter, one small piece at a time, swirling the saucepan constantly to help the butter melt and emulsify into the reduced lemon mixture. The cold butter helps to create a stable, creamy emulsion.
4. Continue Swirling: Return the pan to the heat for just a few seconds if needed, then remove and continue to swirl until each piece of butter is fully incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining butter, adding it slowly until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and beautifully thickened. This entire butter-incorporation process should take no more than 5 minutes and can be done while your chicken is browning. Once all the butter is melted and emulsified, remove the sauce from the stove and set it aside.

The result is a luscious, flavorful sauce that beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables without needing any flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

How does cold butter thicken the sauce without flour or cornstarch?

This technique, known as “monté au beurre” in classic French cuisine, is a fantastic way to create a rich, stable, and naturally thickened sauce. If you’ve ever made my Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil, you’ll recognize a similar approach. The magic happens when you slowly whisk or swirl cold pats of butter into a reduced, hot liquid (in this case, the lemon juice and aromatics). As the cold butter melts gradually, its fat emulsifies with the liquid, creating a thick, velvety texture. The key is to add the butter slowly and ensure it’s cold. If your butter is at room temperature or already melted, it won’t emulsify properly, and your sauce will likely separate or be greasy. The slow addition and swirling allow the butter to incorporate smoothly, yielding a vibrant, restaurant-quality sauce with a delightful zing!

What other vegetables can I use in this skillet recipe?

This skillet lemon butter chicken is wonderfully versatile when it comes to vegetables! While green beans are a fantastic choice, feel free to swap them out or add other quick-cooking options. Sliced zucchini, asparagus spears, bell peppers (thinly sliced), or even cherry tomatoes would work beautifully. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking in the same pan. Add them to the skillet after the chicken has cooked and been removed, sautéing until they reach your desired tenderness, usually 3-5 minutes.

What to Serve with Your Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken

This flavorful chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite recommendations:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect canvas to soak up every drop of that delicious lemon butter sauce. My 20-minute garlic herb Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a fantastic, quick option.
• Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts: If you love green beans, you’ll adore these. Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a lovely earthy contrast.
• Zucchini and Corn Sauté: A light and fresh summer side that complements the lemon chicken beautifully.
• Hearty Twice Baked Potato Casserole: For a more indulgent meal, this rich casserole is a delicious pairing.
• Superfood Broccoli Salad: A refreshing, crunchy salad that adds a healthy balance to the meal.
• Roasted Garlic Italian Couscous Salad: A light, herby grain salad that offers a different texture and flavor profile.
• Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce!
• Stuffed Butternut Squash with Curried Couscous Salad: A unique and wholesome option, especially great for a fall or winter meal.

Yield: 4 servings

Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

An easy skillet garlic lemon butter chicken recipe that you can make in a flash! The chicken is dusted with parmesan and flour so it’s nice and crispy, the veggies are cooked in the same pan so it’s easy to clean up. And the lemon butter sauce is to die for! What’s not to love?

 

Ingredients

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons EACH: grated parmesan AND olive oil
• ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder AND Italian seasoning
• 1 ¼ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ¼ cup lemon juice + 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed into 4 pieces
• 12 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

1. CHICKEN: Add the flour, parmesan, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to a shallow dish and whisk until well combined. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispier sear. Add each piece of chicken to the flour mixture and coat on both sides, gently dusting off any excess flour. Heat a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed recommended) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet and let cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Prepare the sauce while the chicken cooks. Remove chicken to a plate when done and tent with foil to keep warm.
2. GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ¼ cup lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to reduce to about 3 tablespoons. This should take approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and add 1 tablespoon of cold butter. Swirl the saucepan gently to help the butter melt and emulsify. Return to low heat for a few seconds if needed, then remove and continue to swirl until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining cold butter, adding one tablespoon at a time, swirling off heat until fully emulsified. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from stove and set aside.
3. ASSEMBLE & VEGGIES: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add a small drizzle of the remaining olive oil if the pan seems dry. Add the lemon slices and push them around the pan with tongs for 1-2 minutes to pick up all the flavorful bits left behind by the chicken and caramelize slightly. Add the green beans and sauté them for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crisp-tender preference. Season the green beans with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans and lemon slices. Drizzle the glorious lemon butter sauce generously over the entire skillet or serve it on the side for each individual serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!