Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes—bright, savory, rich, and satisfying. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and requires only one pan. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while the lemon juice brings brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced and delicious sauce. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh lemon juice
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce.
- Include capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Swap the parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different herb profile.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat and warm until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
FAQs
What can I serve with Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a green salad also make great sides.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and offer a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the Dijon mustard and chicken broth are gluten-free, the dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What type of Dijon mustard should I use?
Use traditional Dijon mustard for the best flavor. Avoid honey Dijon or grainy mustard for this particular sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus would cook nicely in the sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or hosting guests, this dish delivers every time with its tangy, buttery sauce and tender chicken. Give it a try and enjoy a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
PrintLemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken
This Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is a quick, one-skillet dish combining tangy Dijon mustard, bright lemon juice, and rich butter to create a luscious sauce over tender, seared chicken breasts. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- For a low-carb meal, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
