Easy

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 680g total); 60 g butter, divided; 3 tbsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 2 whole lemons (zest and juice); 3 tbsp capers, drained; 0.5 cup dry white wine; 0.75 cup chicken stock; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

35 min4420 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|April 1, 2024

This lemon garlic butter chicken is the kind of recipe you'll reach for on a Tuesday night when you want something that tastes restaurant-quality but doesn't require a grocery trip or two hours of your time. Pan-seared chicken breasts get a quick, punchy sauce made right in the same skillet with butter, fresh garlic, bright lemon, and briny capers — the classic flavour combo that never misses. It's elegant enough for company but fast enough for weeknight rotation, and Canadians love it because it works with pantry staples and comes together in under 35 minutes start to finish.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Butter‑Basting Finish

“During the last 5 minutes, spoon the pan‑derived butter, lemon juice, and caper mix over the chicken repeatedly; this builds a glossy, acid‑bright glaze while the butter emulsifies with the wine reduction for a velvety finish.”

About This Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a dish that effortlessly brings together the comforting warmth of Canadian home cooking and the bright zestiness of fresh ingredients. This recipe highlights the rich flavors of pan-seared chicken, enveloped in a luscious sauce made from butter, aromatic garlic, and tangy lemon juice, all perfectly balanced by the briny notes of capers. It’s the ideal weeknight meal, taking only 35 minutes to prepare, making it a favorite among busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The simplicity of this dish belies its depth of flavor. Each bite of tender chicken is infused with the buttery, citrusy sauce, making every mouthful a delight. It’s the kind of dish that not only satisfies but also warms the heart—perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Canadian home cooks adore this recipe for its straightforward approach, delicious results, and the way it brings a taste of summer to the table, regardless of the season.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken in this dish, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) before removing it from the heat. To avoid dryness, don’t overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. The key to maximizing flavor is to deglaze the pan after searing the chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits, which will enhance your sauce beautifully.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful Canadian twist, serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Seasonal vegetables like steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a vibrant touch and balance the richness of the dish. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will also complement the meal beautifully, making it a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Per Serving

420

Calories

40g

Protein

13g

Fat

38g

Carbs

Fiber6g

Sugar6g

Sodium670mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?+

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook faster than thighs. Aim for the same internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for optimal juiciness.

What can I substitute for capers?+

If you don’t have capers on hand, you can use chopped green olives or a splash of pickle juice for a similar briny flavor. It will slightly alter the taste, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

For a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic and butter when cooking. You can also serve the chicken with a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the pan while cooking?+

Yes! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking can enhance the dish and create a complete one-pan meal. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?+

To make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will still shine through, and you’ll maintain a lovely richness in the sauce.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

10 min

Cook:

25 min

Total:

35 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1Slice the garlic thin instead of mincing — thin slices give you little bursts of sweet garlic flavour without burning as easily.
2Don't skip the wine. It deglazes the pan and adds acidity that balances the butter. Use something you'd drink, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
3Add the cold butter off heat at the end — this emulsifies the sauce and makes it creamy without separating.
4Save extra sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss with pasta, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for bread.

Variations

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead — increase cooking time to 25-30 minutes and render the skin crispy before flipping.
Add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes along with the capers for a more Mediterranean vibe.
Make it richer by stirring in 2 tbsp of cream or mascarpone at the very end for a velvety finish.

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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

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Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience