This Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, flavorful, and downright crave-worthy. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices are pan-seared to perfection, then finished with a rich and zesty garlic lemon butter sauce that coats every bite with creamy, tangy goodness.Perfect with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a go-to recipe when you want to turn up the flavor without turning up the complexity.

What Makes This Dish Special?
This recipe brings together the heat of Cajun seasoning and the brightness of fresh lemon juice with the indulgence of garlic butter. It’s spicy, buttery, tangy, and beautifully balanced. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for busy nights or a simple dinner party.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon slices for serving
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Lemon and Broth
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Return Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and absorb flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices, if desired. Spoon extra sauce over each serving for maximum flavor.

Variations
- Creamy Cajun Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer finish.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the final simmer for extra nutrients.
- Mild Option: Cut the Cajun seasoning with paprika and garlic powder if you prefer less spice.
- Protein Swap: Try this recipe with shrimp or salmon using the same method and sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or microplane
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
My Cooking Experience
This dish quickly became a weeknight staple in my kitchen. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, and the lemon garlic butter sauce ties everything together with fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes no time to throw together—plus it pairs beautifully with pasta or rice. It’s always a win at the dinner table.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a bold and buttery delight that brings serious flavor with very little effort. It’s easy to prepare, big on taste, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and absorb flavor.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices, if desired. Spoon extra sauce over each serving for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.