Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice

Name: Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love this Lemon Butter Chicken with Rice recipe! The combination of bright lemon and rich butter creates an incredibly flavorful dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. When I first tried this recipe, I wanted to create something that felt as special as it tastes but was easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The aroma of the lemon zest while it cooks makes my kitchen feel like a cozy restaurant, and the addition of fluffy rice completes the meal perfectly.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:30:36.967Z

When I first experimented with Lemon Butter Chicken, I wanted something that brought the zing of citrus together with the richness of butter. After a few trials, I found that using fresh lemon juice and zest made a world of difference. The acidity cuts through the fat, giving you a balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Another tip I discovered was to sear the chicken before adding the butter. This locks in the juices and gives the dish a lovely golden crust. It also makes the butter sauce cling to the chicken better, enhancing every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright lemon flavor that elevates the chicken
Rich butter sauce that's perfect for dipping your rice
Quick and easy to prepare, great for busy nights

Mastering the Chicken

The key to perfectly cooked chicken breasts lies in proper seasoning and avoiding overcooking. For this lemon butter chicken, generously season with salt and pepper before cooking. When you heat the olive oil, make sure it's hot enough; you want that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Aim for a golden brown color on both sides, which should take about 7 minutes per side on medium-high heat. An instant-read thermometer can help here—it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

Don't skip the resting period after cooking; letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes not only retains moisture but enhances the overall flavor. Slice into the chicken to reveal a juicy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior.

Crafting the Butter Sauce

One of the standout aspects of this dish is the lemon butter sauce. When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning; it should smell fragrant but not brown, which takes about 1 minute. Once you add the butter and lemon juice, mix thoroughly until the butter is completely melted and the sauce becomes glossy. This sauce is not just a topping; it’s meant for indulging—drizzle it generously over the chicken and rice for that extra burst of flavor.

If you prefer a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce. It adds a delightful kick that complements the bright lemon flavor without overpowering it. Adjust the lemon juice to suit your personal taste; if you love a stronger citrus presence, do not hesitate to squeeze an additional half lemon.

Perfecting the Rice

Your choice of rice can greatly affect the texture of the dish. For a fluffier end result, use long-grain varieties such as basmati or jasmine rice. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the rice package for best results, usually about 15-20 minutes for white rice. Fluffing it with a fork and adding that tablespoon of butter not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent clumping, ensuring each grain is distinct.

If you're looking to add an aromatic twist, try stirring in a bit of lemon zest or a few sprigs of fresh thyme into the rice before serving. This heightens the connection between the rice and the lemon butter chicken, creating a cohesive meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked white rice
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Butter Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.

Prepare the Rice

In a separate pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter into the cooked white rice and season with salt. Fluff with a fork.

Serve

Plate the rice and top with lemon butter chicken. Drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet and garnish with chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce after cooking the chicken. Just let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce.

Storage and Meal Prep

For meal prep enthusiasts, this Lemon Butter Chicken is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) again before serving. The butter sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored separately, just remember to rewarm it before drizzling over the chicken.

Rice can be cooked in larger batches and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, covering the container to steam the rice for best results. This makes it easy to throw together a quick weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines as a standalone meal but also pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like asparagus or a fresh salad. A simple side of sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli can add color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the chicken. Consider a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover butter sauce—a delightful addition.

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a nutty flavor upgrade. Both options cook quickly and soak up the lemon butter sauce beautifully, offering an interesting texture contrast that will impress your family or guests without much extra work.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

Yes, skin-on chicken will add extra flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.

→ What type of rice is best to use?

I recommend using white rice, but brown rice or jasmine rice can also work well for this dish.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Absolutely! Store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.