Finding Dinner Recipes Healthy that actually taste good can feel like a chore sometimes. We all want meals that are good for us but still satisfy those cravings for something savory and rich.
You do not have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is the proof. It balances bright citrus notes with savory garlic and herbs.
If you are hunting for Quick Healthy Dinner options, this dish is going to be a regular in your kitchen. It comes together fast and uses simple ingredients.
Cooking at home should be fun and stress free. This recipe is designed for real life. It is messy in a good way and smells incredible while it cooks.
Let’s dive into one of the best Easy Healthy Meals you will make this year.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish stands out among other Dinner Recipes Healthy because of its bold flavor profile. Often, healthy food gets a bad reputation for being bland.
That is not the case here. The combination of fresh lemon juice, salty butter, and aromatic garlic creates a sauce you will want to put on everything.
It is also a fantastic choice for Healthy Meal Ideas when you are on a budget. Chicken breast is affordable and versatile.
Most of the other items are likely already in your pantry. You do not need to buy expensive spices or obscure sauces.
Another reason to love this is the speed. It fits the criteria for a Quick Healthy Dinner perfectly. You can have it on the table in under thirty minutes.
Cleanup is also manageable. You do most of the work in a single large skillet. Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after eating.
The texture is delightful. The chicken gets a nice golden sear on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
The sauce is creamy without using heavy cream. It coats the meat beautifully and soaks into any side dish you choose to serve.
It is family friendly too. The lemon flavor is bright but not overwhelming. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the savory butter notes.
This recipe proves that Dinner Recipes Healthy can be comforting. It feels like a Sunday dinner but is easy enough for a Tuesday.
Ingredients
The magic of this dish comes from fresh, simple ingredients. When making Dinner Recipes Healthy, quality matters.
Avocado Oil: This oil has a high smoke point. It allows you to sear the chicken without burning the oil. It is a heart healthy choice.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The lean protein base. It cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce well. Try to get pieces that are even in thickness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat before cooking. Do not skip this step as it builds the first layer of flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the sodium level. This creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.
Shallot: Diced shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor than regular onions. They melt into the sauce beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key. It provides that punchy savory kick that makes this Quick Healthy Dinner so satisfying.
Flour: All purpose flour is used to make a roux. This thickens the sauce slightly so it clings to the chicken.
Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of the sauce. You can use vegetable broth if you prefer, but chicken broth adds more depth.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best. Bottled juice often lacks the zest and brightness needed for this dish.
Lemon Zest: This holds the essential oils of the lemon. It boosts the citrus aroma significantly.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, floral note. It pairs wonderfully with lemon and chicken.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a nice warmth. It does not make the dish spicy, just interesting.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preparing your meat. Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture.
Dry chicken sears better. If it is wet, it will steam instead of brown. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Get a large skillet ready. Place it on the stove and set the heat to medium to high. Pour in the avocado oil and let it shimmering.
Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Do not crowd them. You want them to have space to cook evenly.
Sauté the chicken for about 5 or 6 minutes on each side. You are looking for a nice golden brown color.
Check the internal temperature. Once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the chicken from the pan. Set it aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Now it is time to build flavor. While the chicken rests, turn the heat down slightly to medium.
Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the same skillet. Toss in the diced shallots and minced garlic.
Sauté these aromatics for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir them frequently so the garlic does not burn. They should become soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and shallot mixture. You are making a quick roux here.
Whisk the flour into the butter for about 1 minute. You want the raw flour taste to cook out.
The mixture should turn a light golden brown color. This will help thicken your sauce later.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth. Keep your whisk moving the entire time you pour.
Whisking vigorously helps prevent lumps from forming. You want a smooth, consistent liquid base.
Continue to stir until the flour mixture is fully dissolved into the broth.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Let the liquid simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. It should start to thicken slightly as it bubbles.
Now add the flavor boosters. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh thyme.
Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Finally, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Whisk everything together until the butter melts and emulsifies into the sauce. Keep it at a slow simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 7: Return the Chicken
Take the rested chicken and any juices that collected on the plate. Add them back into the skillet.
Let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 1 minute. You just want to warm it through and coat it in the flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Your meal is ready. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.
Garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices and some chopped parsley for color. Serve warm and enjoy your Quick Healthy Dinner.
How To Store Leftovers
Proper storage is key for meal prep. If you are making Dinner Recipes Healthy ahead of time, this chicken keeps well.
Let the chicken cool down completely before putting it away. Placing hot food in the fridge can raise the temperature unsafe levels.
Use an airtight glass container. Glass is great because it does not stain or hold odors like plastic might.
The chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken a bit when cold.
To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish to keep moisture in and heat in short intervals.
Freezing is an option but the creamy sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Tips
For the best results with your Dinner Recipes Healthy, use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Pulling it off the heat exactly at 165 degrees ensures it stays tender.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them flat. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Even thickness means even cooking. This prevents one end from drying out while the other is still raw.
Fresh herbs make a huge difference in Easy Healthy Meals. Dried thyme works in a pinch, but fresh brings more aroma.
Use a quality skillet. A heavy bottom pan distributes heat better and prevents hot spots that burn garlic.
If you love extra lemon, cut some wedges to serve on the side. Squeezing fresh juice right before eating is lovely.
This sauce is great for vegetables too. Toss in some asparagus or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Prep everything before you start the stove. This is called mise en place. It makes the process smooth and stress free.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water. If it is too thin, simmer it a bit longer.
Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken is a shining example of how Dinner Recipes Healthy can be exciting. It has zest, richness, and comfort all in one pan.
It proves that you do not need hours in the kitchen to make something special. A Quick Healthy Dinner is within reach any night of the week.
Whether you are cooking for yourself or a family, this dish satisfies. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or a big salad.
We hope this becomes one of your go to Healthy Meal Ideas. It is versatile, budget friendly, and undeniably tasty.
Cooking at home is a great way to care for yourself. Recipes like this make that habit easy to stick to.
Give it a try this week. You might be surprised at how professional your homemade dinner tastes.
Enjoy the process of cooking. The smell of garlic and butter filling your kitchen is a reward in itself.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. To make this one of your gluten free Dinner Recipes Healthy, simply swap the flour. Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend instead.
Cornstarch can also work as a thickener. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water before adding it to the hot liquid.
What Can I Serve With This?
This dish is versatile. It goes great with roasted potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
For low carb Healthy Meal Ideas, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A fresh green salad is also a nice side.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. They are naturally juicier and more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.
Just note that thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts. Adjust your timing accordingly.
Is This Recipe Dairy Free?
As written, it contains butter. To make this a dairy free Quick Healthy Dinner, use a vegan butter alternative.
You could also use more avocado oil, though the sauce will be less creamy. Vegan butter is the closest match for texture.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pan?
Definitely. Adding veggies turns this into a more complete meal. Green beans or asparagus are great choices.
Add them to the pan after the chicken is removed. Sauté them briefly before making the sauce.
Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce
This bright and savory Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish. It combines juicy chicken with aromatic garlic and herbs, making it an easy and healthy option for any weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, ensuring not to crowd the pan, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Melt the Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet, along with the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the aromatics are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and shallot mixture. Whisk for about 1 minute until the mixture turns a light golden brown, cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking vigorously the entire time to prevent lumps and create a smooth, consistent liquid base. Continue to stir until the flour mixture is fully dissolved.
- Build the Sauce: Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Finally, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk until melted and emulsified into the sauce. Keep at a slow simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Return the Chicken: Add the rested chicken and any collected juices back into the skillet with the sauce. Let it cook for about 1 minute, just to warm it through and coat it in the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices and some chopped parsley for color. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
Let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight glass container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in a microwave. Freezing is not recommended for the sauce.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F and stays tender. Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Fresh herbs, especially fresh thyme, make a huge difference in flavor. Use a quality, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water (if too thick) or simmering longer (if too thin).
Nutrition
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