Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice

Name: Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 lemons (juiced and zested); 4 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley (chopped); Lemon slices

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food

I absolutely love preparing Lemon Butter Chicken with Rice because it's a dish that effortlessly combines zesty flavors with a buttery richness. The vibrant lemon elevates the tender chicken, while the fluffy rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce. It's a fantastic dish for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. Once you try this recipe, you'll understand why it’s become one of my go-to meals for a quick yet satisfying feast.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:37:36.550Z

When I first discovered Lemon Butter Chicken, I knew I had stumbled upon a winner. The melding of tangy lemon with the richness of butter creates a sauce that is simply irresistible. I often serve it with a side of rice, which not only complements the dish beautifully but also allows you to enjoy every last drop of that luscious sauce. The secret? Searing the chicken until golden brown before simmering it in the lemon-butter sauce ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I've made several tweaks over time to make it even better. From adding garlic and herbs to adjusting the acidity of the lemon, I've honed it to perfection. The addition of aromatics creates a deep flavor profile, making it truly unique. Pair this dish with a fresh salad, and you've got yourself a delightful meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and refreshing lemon flavor that brightens your day
Rich buttery sauce that complements the tender chicken perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

      

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

To achieve tender, juicy chicken breasts, it's crucial to start with evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all pieces cook uniformly. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness. This minor preparation step can make a big difference in ensuring that they cook through in the recommended time of 6-7 minutes per side, achieving that beautiful golden brown exterior.

The key to the rich sauce lies in not overcooking the butter and garlic. As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant, it’s time to add the chicken. Keep an eye on the heat; too high and the butter can brown too much, leading to a bitter flavor. Searing until the chicken is golden adds depth to the dish, so don’t rush the process. The right balance of heat will also help to lock in the moisture of the chicken.

Rice: The Perfect Bed for Your Chicken

Using long-grain rice is ideal for this recipe as its texture acts as a perfect canvas to absorb the lemon butter sauce. Keep in mind that rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make your final dish gummy. Aim for lightly toasted rice; a minute of stirring in the hot olive oil enhances the nutty flavor and ensures a fluffy texture after cooking. If you prefer brown rice for added health benefits, increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes.

For an elevated flavor in your rice, consider substituting half of the chicken broth with a splash of white wine or adding aromatics like fresh thyme during cooking. This creates an additional layer of taste, complementing the lemon butter chicken beautifully. Remember to fluff the rice gently once it’s cooked to avoid mashing the grains.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 lemons (juiced and zested)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste

For Garnish

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Lemon slices

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice:

Prepare the Rice

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for a minute until lightly toasted. Pour in chicken broth and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add minced garlic. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and place it on plates. Top with the lemon butter chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!

Now that your dish is ready, dig in and savor every bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding capers to the sauce or a splash of white wine before simmering. Pairing the dish with steamed vegetables can also enhance the meal's colorful presentation and nutritional value.

Make-Ahead Tips

Lemon Butter Chicken with Rice makes for an excellent meal prep option. You can marinate the chicken in lemon juice, zest, and garlic for a few hours or even overnight to deepen the flavor profile. Just be cautious not to marinate it for too long, as the acidity from the lemon can change the texture of the chicken. Store your marinated chicken in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick, flavorful protein ready to cook at a moment’s notice.

For the rice, you can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Freshly made sauce can also be kept in the fridge for a couple of days, ready to drizzle over your reheated chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with seasonal vegetables. Try sautéing some green beans, asparagus, or spinach in the remaining butter after removing the chicken from the pan, enhancing the meal's flavor while using the same pan. For a more filling meal, offer a side salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the chicken and rice.

If you’re entertaining, consider serving the chicken and rice in a family-style manner. Place the fluffy rice in a large serving dish, top it with the sliced chicken and sauce, and garnish it all with fresh parsley and lemon slices. This presentation not only looks impressive but also encourages guests to dig in and enjoy the communal aspect of dining.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully and add a bit more moisture and flavor.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce can give it a nice kick.

→ Can I make this dish without butter?

You can substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative if you prefer.

→ What can I serve with Lemon Butter Chicken?

This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.