Introduction
This Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe 2026 is juicy, buttery, and packed with fresh lemon and garlic flavor—just like the one we enjoyed last January on New Year’s Eve at Longhorn Steakhouse with my kids!
» I took my family and kids to Longhorn Steakhouse. We ordered steaks, fries… but the surprise star was their lemon garlic chicken! It was juicy, buttery, and smelled amazing.
» That night, I promised them I would. After testing the recipe many times in my kitchen, I finally nailed it! And honestly, this homemade version tastes even better because it’s fresh, budget-friendly, and made with love ❤️
Today, I’m sharing my chef-tested homemade recipe so you can make restaurant-style lemon garlic chicken at home easily.
So, let’s get started!
👉 What Is Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken?
This is a grilled or pan-seared chicken dish topped with rich lemon garlic butter sauce, served at Longhorn Steakhouse.
⭐ Why People Love It
» Juicy chicken with buttery lemon flavor
» Simple ingredients but big taste
» Family-friendly dinner
» Easy to cook at home
🍋 Flavor Profile
» Tangy lemon juice
» Warm garlic butter
» Smoky grilled taste
» Light herbs and spices
It’s not just grilled chicken—it’s comfort food with restaurant style!
👉 Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe 2026 is one of those meals that feels fancy but cooks fast at home. As a chef and dad, I love recipes that make my kids smile without spending hours in the kitchen. This one checks every box!
You’ll love it because:
» Family-approved taste
» Ready in about 30 minutes
» Super juicy chicken every time
» Works on grill, pan, oven, or air fryer
» Bright lemon flavor with rich garlic butter
» Budget-friendly copycat of LongHorn Steakhouse
Once you cook it, it becomes a regular dinner favorite. Trust me—my kids request it almost every weekend!
👉 Kitchen Tools For Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
When I tested this recipe in my home kitchen, I kept the tools simple. You don’t need fancy equipment.
Basic Tools:
» Cast-iron skillet or grill pan
» Mixing bowl
» Measuring spoons
» Tongs
» Knife & cutting board
» Meat thermometer
Optional Tools:
» Outdoor grill
» Garlic press
» Basting brush
Simple tools, big restaurant-style results—that’s the beauty of this recipe!
Ingredients Needed for Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken
👉 Main Ingredients
♥ 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
♥ 2 tbsp olive oil
♥ 1 tsp paprika
♥ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
♥ Salt & black pepper
👉 Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
♥ 3 tbsp butter
♥ 4 garlic cloves (minced)
♥ 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
♥ 1 tsp lemon zest
♥ 1 tbsp parsley
👉 Optional Add-Ons
♥ Parmesan cheese
♥ Chili flakes
♥ Cream for a creamy version
👉 Chef Tip:
Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice loses flavor.
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» Texas Roadhouse Blooming Onion
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Step-by-Step Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe 2026
Every time I cook this Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe, it reminds me of that cozy New Year’s Eve dinner with my kids at Longhorn Steakhouse.
I tested this recipe many times in my kitchen until the chicken turned juicy, buttery, and full of bright lemon flavor. Just follow the simple instructions:
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Resting Time: 5 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: Around $8–10 total (about $2–3 per serving)
👉 Step 1 – Prep and Season the Chicken
♥ Wrap the chicken breasts with even thickness.
♥ Lightly season the chicken with salt & pepper.
Chef Tip:
Even thickness = no dry edges and no raw center. Don’t skip this step!
👉 Step 2 – Make Lemon Garlic Marinade
♥ In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
♥ Coat chicken well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (2–4 hours is better).
Chef Tip:
Add lemon zest for a stronger flavor. Fresh lemon always tastes brighter.
👉 Step 3 – Cook the Chicken Perfectly
♥ Prepare your skillet or grill pan on medium flame.
♥ Add some oil and cook the chicken for at least 5 to 6 minutes per side until browned.
♥ Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Chef Tip:
Don’t move chicken too much. Let it sit so you get nice grill marks.
👉 Step 4 – Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
♥ In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest & parsley.
♥ Cook 1 minute until fragrant, then spoon sauce over chicken.
Chef Tip:
Add 1 tsp of honey for balance if the lemons are very sour.
👉 Step 5 – Rest the Chicken
♥ Now, set aside the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes.
♥ This keeps juices inside and makes the chicken tender.
Chef Tip:
Cover loosely with foil—don’t wrap tight or steam will soften the crust.
👉 Step 6 – Garnish & Serve Restaurant-Style & Enjoy!
♥ Slice chicken diagonally. Top with parsley, parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or lemon slices.
♥ Now you can serve hot with your favorite pairing!
Chef Tip:
A small drizzle of extra butter sauce before serving makes it shine like restaurant chicken!
Visual Instruction For Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Cooking Methods for Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe 2026 is super flexible. I’ve cooked it many ways at home after tasting it with my family at Longhorn Steakhouse, and each method works beautifully.
🔥 Grill
♥ Cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
♥ Brush lemon garlic butter at the end.
♥ Tip: Don’t press the chicken—keep it juicy.
🍳 Skillet
♥ Cook the chicken in a cast-iron pan with olive oil.
♥ Tip: Medium heat prevents garlic from burning.
🥘 Oven
♥ Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 18–20 minutes. Broil 2 minutes for color.
♥ Tip: Cover the first half to keep moisture.
🍟 Air Fryer
♥ Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 12–15 minutes, flip halfway.
♥ Tip: Light oil spray gives crispy edges.
🔥 Sear + Oven
♥ Sear in a pan, then finish in the oven.
♥ Tip: Best restaurant-style texture.
Choose the method you like—each one gives juicy lemon garlic chicken your family will love!
Ingredient Substitutes For Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken
Sometimes we don’t have all the ingredients. No problem!
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs | Juicier flavor |
| Butter | Olive oil | Lighter option |
| Fresh lemon | Bottled lemon | Use less quantity |
| Garlic cloves | Garlic powder | ½ tsp per clove |
| Parsley | Coriander leaves | Fresh taste |
Cooking is flexible—use what you have and still make magic!
👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps
When I cook for my kids, I like lighter versions too.
Healthy Swaps:
» Use olive oil instead of butter
» Choose skinless chicken
» Add extra herbs for flavor
» Reduce salt
» Serve with veggies instead of fries
Healthy doesn’t mean boring—this chicken still tastes amazing!
👉 Recipe Variations You Can Try!
I love experimenting in my kitchen. Try these fun versions.
Delicious Variations:
» Spicy chili lemon chicken
» Honey lemon garlic glaze
» Oven-baked version
» Air fryer chicken
» Keto-friendly version
» Creamy lemon garlic chicken
Change flavors based on mood—this recipe is super flexible!
Tips For the Authentic Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
After cooking this homemade recipe many times, here are my chef secrets.
Best Tips:
» Pound chicken evenly for tender cooking
» Use fresh garlic
» Don’t overcook
» Use fresh lemon juice & zest
» Don’t skip marinating
» Cook on medium heat
» Use cast iron for grill marks
» Rest chicken 5 minutes
» Finish with butter sauce
» Add 1 tsp of honey to the sauce for balance.
Small tricks turn good chicken into unforgettable chicken!
👉 Key Chicken Tips
As a chef, choosing the right chicken matters.
Important Chicken Tips:
» Use fresh chicken, not frozen
» Bring chicken to room temp
» Trim extra fat
» Don’t overcrowd the pan
» Cook to 165°F / 75°C
Extra Tip:
Brine chicken in salt water for 20 minutes for extra juiciness.
👉 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
» Store in fridge 3 days
» Freeze up to 2 months
» Reheat with a little butter
» Slice for sandwiches or wraps
» Great for busy weeknights!
👉 Garnish & Presentation Tips
Food tastes better when it looks beautiful.
Easy Garnish Ideas:
» Lemon slices
» Fresh parsley
» Parmesan cheese
» Chili flakes
» Butter drizzle
Presentation Tips:
» Slice chicken diagonally
» Serve on a white plate
» Add grilled veggies
A little garnish makes your dinner feel like a restaurant meal!
Recipe Variation of Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken
» Creamy Version: Add 2 tbsp cream to the sauce.
» Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
» Oven Version: Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.
» Air Fryer Version: Cook at 180°C for 15 minutes.
» Healthy Version: Use less butter and add olive oil.
What to Pair with Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
There are some best pairing ideas for this that you can try:
Best Side Dishes:
» Garlic mashed potatoes
» Butter rice
» Roasted broccoli
» Caesar salad
» Garlic bread
» Corn on the cob
Light Meal Pairing:
» Quinoa salad
» Steamed veggies
» Lemon herb rice
Choose your favorite sides and make a full family dinner!
Best Alternate Recipes to Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you love this Longhorn lemon garlic chicken recipe, try these next.
Similar Recipes:
» Lemon herb grilled chicken
» Garlic butter chicken
» Honey garlic chicken
» Lemon pepper chicken
» Creamy parmesan chicken
» Mediterranean grilled chicken
» Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters
» Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops
Trying new chicken recipes keeps dinner exciting!
Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
Approximate values per serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated Cost: $2–3 per serving
Cheaper than a restaurant and healthier!
A tasty, protein-rich meal that’s affordable and satisfying!
Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound chicken to even thickness and season lightly.
- Mix the following ingredients: olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt & pepper.
- Marinate chicken 30 minutes.
- Heat skillet and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until done.
- Melt butter with garlic and lemon zest in same pan.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and cook 1 minute.
- Rest chicken 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for the best taste.
- Don’t overcook chicken—165°F is perfect.
- Add cream for a creamy version.
- Chicken thighs work great, too.
- Great for meal prep and sandwiches the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2–4 hours yields a deeper flavor. If you have time, overnight marinating makes the chicken extra tender and tasty.
How do I keep the chicken juicy and not dry?
Don’t overcook it. Use medium heat and check with a thermometer at 165°F. Resting the chicken for five minutes after cooking keeps the juices inside.
Can I meal prep Longhorn lemon garlic chicken?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store cooked chicken in the fridge for 3 days, then reheat with a little butter or broth to keep it moist.
What sides go best with Longhorn lemon garlic chicken?
My family loves it with mashed potatoes, butter rice, or roasted vegetables. A fresh salad or garlic bread also pairs perfectly with a restaurant-style dinner at home.
Can I make Longhorn lemon garlic chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! I often cook it in a cast-iron skillet or bake it in the oven. You still get juicy chicken and delicious lemon garlic flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
How many calories are in LongHorn lemon garlic chicken?
A homemade serving usually has about 300–350 calories, depending on butter and portion size. Restaurant versions may be higher. Using olive oil and smaller butter amounts helps keep calories lower while keeping great flavor.
Does this Longhorn lemon garlic chicken taste like the restaurant version?
Yes—and sometimes even better! Fresh ingredients, proper cooking, and a chef’s touch make homemade chicken juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners inspired by LongHorn Steakhouse.
My Final Conclusion❤️
When I made this copycat Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe 2026 at home after our New Year’s Eve dinner, my kids shouted, “This tastes the same!” ❤️ There’s something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant meal at home.
» Juicy chicken, bold lemon garlic butter, and simple ingredients come together for a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy.
» Cooking isn’t just about recipes—it’s about memories, family, and love. Try this lemon garlic chicken tonight. Make it your own. Share it with your loved ones.
And when your family smiles at the dinner table… you’ll know you made something special. Give this recipe a try tonight!
Customize it, share it with family, and don’t forget to bookmark it for your next dinner craving. If you have any thoughts or suggestion then write to me in the comment section below. – I’d love to hear from you! You can also try some of my homemade & copycat recipes on my blog!
Happy cooking!
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