How to Prepare a Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Lemon garlic butter chicken is a popular dish that combines the tangy zing of lemons with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs. This versatile recipe works well for casual weeknight dinners or impressive family gatherings. Its flavor profile makes it suitable for all ages, and it pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or fresh vegetables.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Paprika
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic. Set aside while you prepare the lemon butter sauce.

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
2. Stir in half of the lemon zest, paprika, and thyme leaves into the melted butter. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, skin side down. Let them cook without moving or flipping until they are golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Once browned on one side, use tongs to flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes or until it is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
5. To serve, place each portion of lemon garlic butter chicken onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips: For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped green onions or red pepper flakes to the sauce before serving. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and juice in the recipe. The dish can also be made ahead by preparing all ingredients but leaving out the final cooking step until just before serving.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional information may vary based on ingredient quantities used and individual dietary needs. For a balanced meal, serve lemon garlic butter chicken with steamed vegetables or whole-grain pasta. This dish is rich in protein from the chicken breast and provides essential vitamins like vitamin C (from lemons) and B-complex vitamins (from herbs). It also contains healthy fats from olive oil and butter, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Popular Variations:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a lighter, yet equally tasty meal. Reduce cooking time to 15-20 minutes for shrimp as they cook faster than whole chicken.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: For a seafood twist, use salmon fillets instead of chicken pieces. The flavor profile will be similar but with the added richness of fatty fish and omega-3 benefits.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Swap out the rice or pasta for zucchini noodles to make it a low-carb version of this dish. Cook the zoodles separately in olive oil until tender yet al dente; then, toss them with the lemon garlic butter sauce before serving.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to cater the recipe to different dietary preferences or simply mix things up for variety within your family's meal repertoire.

Storage and Reheating:

Lemon garlic butter chicken leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish either in an oven preheated at 350°F (175°C) or microwave it on high power until heated through thoroughly.

Enjoy your homemade lemon garlic butter chicken! Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, this recipe delivers both taste and convenience. It's perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet full of flavor without too much fuss in the kitchen.