4-Ingredient Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet
This four-ingredient favorite is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your collection. I first got it from a friend who insisted it would make the most tender, flavorful chicken imaginable—and it absolutely delivered. With only chicken, butter, lemon, and a touch of seasoning, the result is perfectly browned chicken pieces coated in a rich, velvety sauce with fresh citrus flavor from tender lemon slices.
Fast enough for busy evenings but elegant enough for a cozy family dinner, it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort.
Serving Suggestions
- Keep it low-carb by serving alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
- For those who enjoy carbs, pair it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Other great sides include roasted asparagus, garlic cauliflower, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette.
🍋 Low-Carb Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet
🥘 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1½ lbs | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Salted butter | 3 tbsp | Divided |
| Lemon | 1 large | Thinly sliced (seeds removed) plus 2 tbsp juice |
| Kosher salt | 1¼ tsp | Additional to taste |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to encourage browning. Season evenly with kosher salt.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet (10–12 inches) over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbling. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until golden.
- Add the lemon: Turn the chicken pieces over and nestle the lemon slices around them. Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the lemon develops light caramelized edges.
- Create the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to form a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Finish cooking: Let everything simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens and coats the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Spoon the buttery lemon sauce and softened lemon slices over the chicken before serving.
✨ Rich, fresh, and wonderfully simple, this lemon butter chicken proves that a handful of ingredients can create an unforgettable meal.
