AMAZING CREAMY LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN

Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce, brightened with the zing of fresh lemon and the richness of butter. That’s exactly what you’re about to create with this Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken recipe, a dish so satisfying and flavorful, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite; I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Red pepper flakes

Let’s Talk Chicken: Prep and Tips

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s chat about the star of our show: the chicken! For this recipe, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly, soaking up all that glorious Creamy Lemon Butter sauce. But don’t worry if you only have bone-in chicken thighs; you can absolutely use them! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure they’re cooked through.

A quick tip: pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness will help them cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still raw. No need to go crazy; just a gentle flattening will do the trick. Also, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps it brown beautifully in the pan.

Looking for a Rosemary Lemon Split Roast Chicken that is just as wonderful? I have a great recommendation that you can try!

Making the Magic: The Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

Now, let’s talk about the soul of this dish: that incredible Creamy Lemon Butter sauce! The combination of butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. But here’s the secret: don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more lemon juice. If you want a richer sauce, use a splash more heavy cream. This is your kitchen, your creation!

One thing to keep in mind: don’t let the garlic burn! Keep the heat medium-low when sautéing it, and stir frequently. Burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish. Also, be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.

If you are in the mood for even more lemon, have you ever tried Lemon Chicken Romano? It is a wonderful option!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the most amazing Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (but not browned!).
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
5. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I personally love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or linguine pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts also make a healthy and flavorful accompaniment. For a lighter option, try serving it with a fresh salad or some Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini.

Want to switch things up? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of the Parmesan. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

If you like garlic butter sauce, I definitely recommend Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine! You are guaranteed to love it!

Making it a Healthy Meals Chicken Option

Who says comfort food can’t be healthy? This Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken can easily be adapted to fit a healthier lifestyle. Use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream to lower the fat content. Serve it with quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice or pasta for added fiber and nutrients. And load up on the vegetables! Adding plenty of greens and other colorful veggies will make this dish even more nutritious and satisfying. For a fun side, try Parmesan Zucchini Fries!

Perfect for Comforting Dinner

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, creamy dish like this Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken. It’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good from the inside out. Whether you’re having a tough day or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. It’s also a great option for entertaining guests. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a must for your Creamy Lemon Butter ChickenDinner Recipes collection!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as the chicken can become dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, farfalle, or rotini.

If you want a chicken dish with pasta, but not lemon butter, you can try Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce.

Conclusion

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken! I hope you love it as much as my family does. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now go ahead and create a delicious and comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy!