One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

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I absolutely adore dinners that bring comfort to the table without piling up dishes in the sink. That’s why One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce has become a frequent guest in my kitchen. It delivers flavor in spades with a zesty, buttery richness that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish always hits the right note.

When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a knockout. The tang of fresh lemon, the depth of garlic, and the silkiness of melted butter create an irresistible sauce that clings to the golden chicken thighs beautifully. Plus, there’s the added joy of watching everyone at the table dive in with delight—there are rarely leftovers, and if there are, they vanish the next day.

What makes this even better is its versatility. It pairs well with just about any side dish, and you can dress it up or keep it casual depending on the occasion. I love how it reminds me of comforting classics like my creamy garlic chicken breasts or even the dreamy marry me chicken. It’s meals like these that prove you don’t need a fancy list of ingredients to create something truly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

This dish offers the ideal combination of flavor and convenience. Cooking everything in one pan means cleanup is minimal, which I know is always a win. The chicken turns out juicy with a golden crust that soaks up the bright, buttery sauce, and it’s finished with a pop of freshness that lifts every bite. It’s the kind of meal that pleases everyone—easy enough for beginners, quick enough for busy nights, and special enough to serve when guests are over.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs are the centerpiece here, offering juicy, flavorful meat that crisps up beautifully. Fresh lemons provide the bright acidity that makes the sauce shine. Garlic adds a rich depth, while unsalted butter delivers that smooth, luscious finish to the sauce. Olive oil helps achieve a perfect sear. You’ll also need chicken broth to build out the sauce and add savory complexity, along with salt and black pepper to season the dish just right. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end offers a pop of color and herbal freshness.

How to Make One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sear undisturbed until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side briefly, then transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, then add fresh lemon juice and slices. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Return the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover and let it simmer gently on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Butter

Remove the lid and stir in cold cubes of unsalted butter, letting them melt into the sauce to create a silky, rich finish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the chicken hot, spooning plenty of the butter lemon sauce over the top. Enjoy it with your favorite side dish or crusty bread to mop up that irresistible sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a creamier version of this dish, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce before finishing with butter. If you prefer a sharper tang, add a bit of Dijon mustard. Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, though they may cook a bit faster and be slightly less juicy. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the cream.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce pairs perfectly with garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables. I also love serving it with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for a dinner party but is just as fitting for a quiet evening meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, but stovetop reheating helps preserve the texture of the chicken skin better.

FAQs

How long does it take to make One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce?

From start to finish, this dish takes about 35 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Can I make One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat gently before serving. Just be sure not to overheat it to maintain the juicy texture of the chicken and the smooth consistency of the sauce.

What sides go best with One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce?

This dish goes well with starchy sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and it’s also wonderful with green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.

Can I use boneless chicken for One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work just fine. Just adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love this One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce, don’t miss out on Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another skillet winner. You may also enjoy the rich comfort of Marry Me Chicken or the hearty flavors of this one-pan Shipwreck Dinner.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If this One Pan Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce made your dinner time feel like a win, make sure to pin it for later on your favorite Pinterest board. Sharing this recipe with family and friends is the best compliment you can give. Post it to your socials, email it to a fellow foodie, or bookmark it so it’s just a click away next time you’re craving that buttery lemon goodness.

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