Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a rich yet refreshing dish that perfectly balances indulgent flavors with bright citrus notes. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and then simmered in a silky sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. The result is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. This dish works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, making it a versatile favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce coats the chicken beautifully, while the lemon keeps everything light and fresh rather than heavy. It is one of those recipes that feels luxurious without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it combines classic comfort food with a vibrant twist. The creamy lemon butter sauce elevates simple chicken into something memorable, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys balanced flavors. It pairs well with many sides and consistently impresses family and guests alike.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 480–520 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / European-Inspired

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Directions

Pan-sear seasoned chicken until golden, then simmer it in a creamy lemon butter sauce until tender and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken hot, spooned generously with sauce. It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Do not boil the cream; keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
• Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

Variations

Garlic Lover’s Version: Add extra garlic or roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
Herb Lemon Chicken: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
Spinach Lemon Chicken: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour and thicken the sauce with extra Parmesan.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Zester

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together rich, creamy textures and bright citrus flavor in perfect harmony. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it is a recipe you can rely on for both everyday meals and special occasions. This dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a rich yet refreshing dish that perfectly balances indulgent flavors with bright citrus notes. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and then simmered in a silky sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ³⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken