Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken - recette canadienne de poulet
Easy

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

(676)
35 min4420 cal

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

Le trio beurre-citron-ail c'est la combinaison de saveurs la plus fiable en cuisine — ça fonctionne sur tout, mais spécialement sur le poulet. Des poitrines poêlées dans du beurre avec de l'ail frais émincé, du jus de citron et des câpres. La sauce se fait dans la même poêle en 3 minutes et elle est assez bonne pour que tu lèches ton assiette quand personne regarde.

casseroles-bakesquébécois

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

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.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (676 reviews)
Kevin O.
Aug 20, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Kevin R.
Sep 6, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Tyler Q.
Mar 18, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
35 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Ne brusquez pas l'étape de saisie — les morceaux dorés au fond de la poêle sont de la saveur concentrée pure.
  • 2Utilisez un chaudron à fond épais qui distribue la chaleur uniformément. Une cocotte du Bay ou un poêlon en fonte du Canadian Tire font parfaitement le travail.
  • 3Assaisonnez généreusement — le poulet absorbe les saveurs comme une éponge, et un poulet sous-assaisonné c'est l'erreur de cuisine la plus courante.

Variations

  • Remplacez les poitrines par des hauts de cuisse si la recette le permet — les hauts de cuisse sont plus tolérants et plus difficiles à trop cuire.
  • Ajoutez un trait de vin blanc ou de vinaigre de cidre lors du déglacement pour plus de profondeur.
  • Version sans lactose: utilisez l'huile d'olive au lieu du beurre et le lait de coco au lieu de la crème.

Casseroles & Bakes

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Warning: This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is dangerously good. Save now!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken - recette canadienne de poulet
Chef Marco Deluca

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

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