Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken Recipe
You know that moment when you're tired of the same dinner rotation but still need something easy, quick, and crowd-pleasing? I found myself there not too long ago, fed up with bland chicken dishes and desperate for something that felt fancy without the effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts skinless, boneless – 4 medium-sized pieces
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper – To taste
- Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons for that rich creamy flavor
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon to sear the chicken
- Lemon Zest and Juice – 1 large lemon
- Garlic Cloves – 3 minced
- Dijon Mustard – 2 tablespoons for a tangy kick
- Chicken Stock – ½ cup
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour. This step ensures a golden sear and locks in moisture.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add your chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll lose that crispy sear. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t burn it!). Stir in the chicken stock, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and juice. Mix well and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that's where the magic is.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any juices they released while resting. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked fully and reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken, and get ready for compliments! Serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor and juiciness.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, luscious texture.
- For a spicy twist, mix in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Always rest your chicken for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.