I have to say, this Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is one of my new go-to meals. The first time I made it, the vibrant combination of flavors felt like the perfect way to elevate a simple dish. I love how the chicken stays juicy while soaking up the tangy, buttery sauce with just the right touch of Dijon mustard. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or you’re crafting a meal to impress, this recipe will bring smiles to the table.
Credit: averiecooks.com
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (4 medium): Boneless and skinless for faster cooking and even seasoning.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural chicken flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the chicken perfectly without sticking.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness without making the dish overly salty.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Always fresh for the most robust flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides the tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed): Balances the butter with bright acidity.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Creates the base of the sauce while keeping it light.
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds freshness and color to the dish.
Note: Serves 4 with medium chicken breast portions or 2-3 with larger servings.
Variations
If you’d like to put your spin on this recipe, try these ideas:
- Replace butter with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Use whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon for a heartier texture.
- Swap lemon juice with white wine for a richer sauce.
- Add cream or grated Parmesan for a creamy twist. For another comforting option, consider trying this flavorful creamy spinach chicken recipe.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet: For evenly cooking the chicken and creating the sauce in one pan.
- Tongs: To flip and handle chicken easily without splashing.
- Microplane or garlic press: Ensures finely minced garlic.
- Juicer: Makes extracting fresh lemon juice faster and easier.
- Chopping board and sharp knife: For prepping chicken and parsley.
How to Make Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. It’s essential to pat the chicken dry beforehand for the perfect sear. Gather and measure the rest of the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts into the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, mix in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom for extra flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). Turn the chicken occasionally to soak in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. This not only adds flavor but also a beautiful pop of color.
Credit: halfbakedharvest.com
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
I’ve learned a few tricks that take this dish to the next level, and I’m happy to share them here!
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- If you like a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water before simmering.
- Sear the chicken until golden brown for a more developed flavor base.
- Taste-test the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings like salt, lemon, or mustard to balance the flavors.
If you’re a fan of rich and flavorful chicken dishes, you might also enjoy these sticky chicken tenders.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken Recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with several side dishes. Serve it over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a lighter option. If chicken is your go-to protein, you can also enjoy similar recipes from this collection of chicken recipes. For a finishing touch, garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for extra color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value per serving of this dish.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
Restoring
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat on medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s a lot to love about this Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken!
- Quick to Make: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup with everything cooked in just one pan.
- Versatile Side Options: Pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to tweak with favorite ingredients like cream or spices.
- Impressive Results: Elegant enough for dinner guests but simple enough for a casual meal.
Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking. You won’t regret it!
Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken Recipe
I have to say, this Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is one of my new go-to meals. The first time I made it, the vibrant combination of tangy lemon and creamy Dijon had me hooked instantly.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat creates the perfect surface for a good sear. Place the chicken in, letting them cook undisturbed until golden brown. That beautiful crust not only looks great but locks in those juices too.
- Once the chicken is seared to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Using the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring often. This step gives the sauce its rich, aromatic base.
- To the garlic butter, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, zest, and Dijon mustard. The combination will immediately smell incredible. Whisk gently to ensure everything blends smoothly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing it slightly for a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
- Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and fully infused with the luscious sauce.
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh thyme leaves right before serving. It’s a simple touch, but it really elevates the look and adds a delightful herbal aroma.
Notes
- Easy prep: Minimal effort with maximum flavor!
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax.
- Crowd-pleaser: It's flavorful enough for a dinner party but simple enough for family meals.
- Customizable: You can adapt the flavors to suit your taste.
- Restaurant-quality: It feels fancy, but anyone can make it!
