Indulge your taste buds with a classic French dish that promises to elevate your dinner experience: Chicken in White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce. This exquisite recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, tangy sauce that will have your guests begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet meal that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the details of this culinary delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once butter is melted and slightly bubbling, carefully place chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a warm plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to develop deeper flavor.
- Add fresh lemon juice and remaining butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it reduces and slightly thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the breasts to reheat and coat them thoroughly.
- Plate chicken and pour remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. This simple step can make a big difference in texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the chicken’s flavor and complement the richness of the sauce.
- Perfectly Browned Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. You want a nice golden-brown crust, which adds depth to the dish.
- Scrape the Pan: When adding the white wine, be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
- Whisk for Emulsification: When adding butter to the sauce, whisk continuously to create a smooth, emulsified texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a zest of lemon on top before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of the dish.
- Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
