Easy Rosemary & Lemon Butter Chicken Breast – A Flavorful, Quick, and Healthy Dinner
This Rosemary & Lemon Butter Chicken recipe offers juicy, golden-browned breasts flavored with aromatic rosemary and tangy lemon. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Ideal for any dinner occasion.
Easy Rosemary & Lemon Butter Chicken | Quick & Healthy Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time15 minutes
Total time25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half for even cooking)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra color and depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
Let's Get Cooking
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 2
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Finish Cooking & Baste the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the butter sauce over the chicken.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, basting frequently.
- 4
Serve & Enjoy!
- Transfer to a plate and garnish with extra rosemary and lemon slices.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Equipment
Add Recipe Notes and Variations ChatGPT said: Recipe Notes and Variations
Recipe Notes for the Best Juicy and Flavorful Chicken
✔ How to Keep Chicken Moist and Tender
- Use Room-Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to prevent it from seizing up when it hits the hot pan.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from heat once it reaches 165°F (75°C) for the juiciest results.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
✔ How to Get a Golden-Brown Sear
- Pat the Chicken Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess moisture ensures a crisp, golden crust.
- Use Medium-High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat for the first few minutes gives a beautiful sear without burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too many pieces at once lowers the temperature, preventing a good sear. Cook in batches if needed.
✔ How to Make the Lemon Butter Sauce Extra Flavorful
- Deglaze the Pan: If you want an even richer sauce, add ¼ cup white wine after sautéing the garlic to scrape up flavorful bits from the pan.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes much better than bottled lemon juice.
Recipe Variations
1. Different Cuts of Chicken
✔ Rosemary Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
- Swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- Sear skin-side down for 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
✔ Baked Rosemary & Lemon Chicken
- Instead of pan-searing, bake chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Brush with butter-lemon sauce before baking and again halfway through cooking.
✔ Grilled Lemon Butter Chicken
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary for 30 minutes, then grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Brush with melted butter while grilling for extra flavor.
2. Make It a Creamy Sauce
✔ Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken
- After removing the chicken from the pan, add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the creamy sauce before serving.
✔ Parmesan Lemon Butter Chicken
- Stir ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a rich, cheesy twist.
✔ Dairy-Free Lemon Butter Chicken
- Substitute ghee or olive oil for butter.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy version.
3. Spice and Herb Variations
✔ Garlic & Herb Chicken
- Use thyme, oregano, or basil instead of rosemary for a different herb flavor.
✔ Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken
- Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
✔ Honey Lemon Butter Chicken
- Add 1 tablespoon honey to the sauce for a touch of natural sweetness.
✔ Mediterranean-Style Chicken
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon cumin and smoked paprika for a deeper, earthy flavor.
4. Side Dish Pairings
✔ Low-Carb Options:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans)
- Cauliflower rice
✔ Classic Comfort Pairings:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Garlic butter pasta
✔ Light and Fresh Sides:
- A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Quinoa or couscous with herbs
✔ Bread Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
5. Meal Prep and Storage Tips
✔ How to Store Leftovers:
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
✔ How to Reheat Chicken Without Drying It Out:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
✔ How to Freeze:
- Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to prevent dryness.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best quick chicken recipes for weeknights.
✔ Healthy & Flavorful: Uses fresh ingredients with no heavy sauces, perfect for a light but satisfying meal.
✔ Versatile: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even whole chicken.
✔ One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one pan!
✔ Pairs Well with Any Side Dish: Whether you want something light or hearty, this recipe is super adaptable.
This quick chicken recipe is easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and enjoy one of the best healthy chicken recipes for dinner!
Nutrition
Calories | 280 |
Carbohydrates | 2g |
Cholesterol | 85mg |
Fat | 14g |
Protein | 34g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Sodium | 490mg |
Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind This Chicken Recipe
Where Did the Lemon & Herb Chicken Idea Come From?
The combination of lemon, herbs, and butter has been a staple in Mediterranean and French cuisines for centuries. These flavors highlight the natural richness of the chicken while keeping the dish light, bright, and fragrant.
- Rosemary is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with poultry, bringing an earthy depth of flavor.
- Lemon adds freshness and a slight tang, cutting through the richness of the butter.
- Butter brings everything together, giving the dish a rich, silky texture.
This dish takes inspiration from traditional European and Mediterranean cooking techniques while simplifying the process to make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
The Art of Cooking Rosemary & Lemon Butter Chicken
How to Keep Chicken Breast Juicy
✔ Use Bone-In or Skin-On Chicken for Extra Flavor
- While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken locks in more moisture and flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken
- Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so it’s important to cook them over medium heat and let them rest before slicing.
✔ Use a Meat Thermometer
- Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy meat.
✔ Baste the Chicken with Butter & Lemon
- Basting the chicken with melted butter and lemon juice while cooking helps infuse flavor and moisture.
Interesting Things About This Chicken Recipe
- It’s One-Pan and Hassle-Free – Cook everything in one skillet, making cleanup super easy.
- It Works with Many Side Dishes – Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- You Can Use Other Herbs – If you don’t have rosemary, try thyme, oregano, or basil.
An Overview of the Parts of This Chicken Recipe
- The Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- The Flavor Base: A buttery, lemony sauce infused with fresh rosemary.
- The Cooking Technique: Pan-searing the chicken first for golden brown edges, then basting with butter for extra richness.
What Occasions Is This Chicken Recipe Good For?
✔ Weeknight Dinners: This quick chicken recipe is done in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
✔ Meal Prep: Make extra and store leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
✔ Romantic Date Night: The rich, flavorful sauce feels fancy but is super simple to make.
✔ Family Gatherings: Serve with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.