One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken (30 Minute Easy Dinner)

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Introduction

When you’re craving a quick, satisfying dinner that still feels elevated, classic one-pan dinners are your secret weapon — and this one-pan lemon butter chicken with broccoli hits the mark.This one-pan lemon butter chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation all year long because it’s bright, creamy, and doesn’t require complicated prep. Tender chicken breasts sear to golden perfection, then simmer in a creamy lemon-butter sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. Broccoli florets are added right in the skillet so you get a full plate of dinner in under 30 minutes. This one-pan lemon butter chicken recipe will become your go-to for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.

Why This One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken Works

Combining a sear, a butter-rich sauce, and a hit of lemon creates amazing flavor depth without complexity. Searing the chicken locks in juices, the butter and cream give you velvety texture, and lemon lifts the richness so the dish feels balanced — not heavy. Adding broccoli directly into the same pan means fewer dishes and a built-in veggie that soaks up sauce beautifully. For those searching “one-pan lemon butter chicken”, this recipe delivers on flavor, simplicity, and speed.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken.
3. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in broccoli florets and return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover loosely and let cook 2–3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender and chicken reaches safe internal temperature (see FAQ below).
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor; increase cook time by 2–3 minutes.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version (the sauce won’t be as thick).
• Use vegetable broth if you don’t have chicken broth — flavor will still be rich.
• Skip the Parmesan and add crumbled feta at the end for a tangy twist.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Chicken: Add a handful of chopped thyme or rosemary along with the garlic to increase the herb flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Lemon Butter Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and intense flavor.
• One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Asparagus: Swap broccoli for asparagus spears — add them in the final minute to keep them crisp-tender.

Why Lemon Butter Chicken is Different from Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Lemon butter sauce is brighter and more vibrant, while creamy garlic parmesan is richer and heavier.
• Lemon adds freshness and balances cream so the dish tastes lighter.
• Broccoli adds color + nutrition, making this one-pan lemon butter chicken feel like a complete balanced meal in one skillet.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (approx. 12″)
• Tongs
• Whisk

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with sides that soak up the lemon-butter-Parmesan sauce. Consider serving with:

• Buttered egg noodles or fettuccine
• Mashed potatoes or garlic-herb mashed cauliflower
• Steamed rice or buttery jasmine rice
• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep things light
• Roasted root vegetables or wedges for a heartier plate

This one-pan lemon butter chicken pairs with endless sides, making it versatile for any weeknight dinner.

Internal Links

Looking for more chicken dinners? Head over to my Chicken Recipe Hub for tons of easy, delicious options.
If you loved this rich skillet sauce, check out my first chicken skillet favorite: One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over medium-low and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems thick. This helps maintain the creamy texture of the lemon butter sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes — this one-pan lemon butter chicken with broccoli reheats well and is perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best not to freeze creamy sauce dishes like this one. The sauce may separate on thawing.

What skillet is best?
A heavy stainless-steel or cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor retention for this dish.

What is the safe internal temperature for chicken?
According to the USDA, chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.