lemon chicken in a skillet

Lemon Chicken Recipe (with the BEST Lemon Butter Sauce!)

This buttery lemon chicken recipe is quick and easy, simple and delicious, low carb and keto-friendly. Chicken breasts are breaded and fried and then simmered to perfection in a garlicky lemon butter sauce.

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This lemon chicken was big hit with our kids! Not a single bite left in the skillet. The breading is a mix of whey protein and a bit of cornstarch, which really helps it stick to the chicken while it fries.

lemon chicken on a plate

The sauce is this creamy (even though there’s no cream), silky, luscious lemony garlic buttery liquid gold that I want to put on all….the…things…now. For an even creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream right before you serve.

Did I mention this dish is low carb and keto-friendly? It’s also gluten free! Winner winner chicken dinner, huh?!

I used chicken breasts, but you can easily substitute chicken thighs if you prefer. To make it a meal, serve with a side salad or over a bowl of steamed broccoli, sautéed cabbage, Palmini noodles, or garlic butter mashed cauliflower. YUM

The fresh parsley is option but really brightens up the dish, both in taste and color.

lemon chicken in a skillet

Lemon Chicken (Keto and Low Carb)

Kristi Barnes
This buttery lemon chicken recipe is quick and easy, simple and delicious, low carb and keto-friendly. Chicken breasts are breaded and fried and then simmered to perfection in a garlicky lemon butter sauce.
4.99 from 54 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Entrees, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 362 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Make the breading. Mix whey protein isolate, corn starch, lemon and garlic seasoning, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
  • With the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound chicken cutlets between two pieces of cling wrap until all are the same thickness.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Coat each chicken cutlet with breading, dip in the egg, shaking off any excess, and then dredge in the breading once more.
  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the breaded chicken cutlets on each side until browned.
  • While the chicken is browning, make the sauce. Mix the chicken broth, butter, and garlic, adding a little salt and pepper as well.
  • Once the chicken is brown on both sides, add the sauce and cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • (Optional) Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

A Note on Nutrition Facts
I am not a nutritional expert or medical professional. Nutritional information for my recipes are provided as a courtesy and are only an approximation. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of any nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Net carbs provided are the total carbs less fiber and sugar alcohols. Erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit carbs are not included in the nutritional information as they have been shown to have a low impact on blood sugar. Those with diabetes or other health-related issues may need to calculate net carbs differently. If you need help managing or calculating carbs, ask your doctor or dietician for guidance.
For the most accurate nutritional information, please calculate with your own specific ingredients using a program like Carb Manager or My Fitness Pal.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 44gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1178mgPotassium: 698mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 335IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken breast, chicken thighs, gluten-free, keto, lchf, low carb, quick
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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For more chicken recipes, check out these decadent Everything Bagel Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce or Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs, or for something lighter, these Chicken Thighs with Roasted Apples and Grapes.

Be sure to Pin this recipe for later!

lemon chicken Pinterest graphic

What is lemon chicken sauce made of?

This lemon chicken sauce is made with chicken broth, melted butter, lemon juice, and plenty of fresh garlic.

What does lemon juice do to chicken?

Lemon juice adds flavor and acidity to the chicken and also helps tenderize it.

What goes best with lemon chicken?

Serve this lemon chicken over a bowl of steamed broccoli, sautéed cabbage, Palmini noodles, or garlic butter mashed cauliflower or with a side salad.

Is lemon chicken Keto?

This lemon chicken is keto-friendly! Juicy chicken breasts are breaded with a gluten-free, keto and low carb coating, fried until golden brown, and simmered in a silky lemon butter sauce until cooked to perfection.

How many carbs are in lemon chicken?

This lemon chicken recipe has 6 grams of net carbs per serving. For fewer carbs, halve the lemon juice and omit the breading.

How many calories are in lemon chicken?

This lemon chicken recipe has 362 calories per serving. For fewer calories, omit the breading and halve the butter.

lemon chicken in a skillet

A Note on Nutrition Facts

I am not a nutritional expert or medical professional. Nutritional information for my recipes are provided as a courtesy and are only an approximation. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of any nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.

Net carbs provided are the total carbs less fiber and sugar alcohols. Erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit carbs are not included in the nutritional information as they have been shown to have a low impact on blood sugar. Those with diabetes or other health-related issues may need to calculate net carbs differently. If you need help managing or calculating carbs, ask your doctor or dietician for guidance.

For the most accurate nutritional information, please calculate with your own specific ingredients using a program like Carb Manager or My Fitness Pal.

Copyright Notice

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express permission from this site’s owner, Kristi Barnes and/or The Farmstead Chick, LLC, is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts and single photos may be used provided full credit is given to www.farmsteadchic.com with a link back to the original content.

3 Comments
  • Lily Wells
    Posted at 19:05h, 13 January Reply

    5 stars
    Looks great!

  • Kristi Barnes
    Posted at 22:03h, 13 January Reply

    5 stars
    The kids went nuts over this one!

  • Kathleen
    Posted at 10:13h, 21 January Reply

    Whey protein . What else can you use. Plus what would be carbs then? Thanks

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