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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - Zest and juice of 2 large lemons - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch the chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Thighs have more flavor and stay moist. If you want a lighter dish, use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh. When choosing chicken, look for bright pink meat with no odor. Fresh herbs should smell strong and vibrant. For lemons, pick ones that feel heavy for their size. This means they are juicy. Always check the cream for freshness by ensuring it is within the expiration date. Fresh ingredients make your creamy lemon butter chicken shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides well. This step adds flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. After cooking, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. To get that nice golden crust, keep the heat at medium-high. Use a heavy skillet to hold the heat well. Do not overcrowd the pan; if it’s too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Let the chicken cook without moving it too much. This helps create a great sear. When it’s time to flip, check if it releases easily from the pan. If it sticks, give it more time. After you take out the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. When the butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute. This brings out the flavor. Next, pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. This gets all the tasty bits. Then, add lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for about five minutes. This helps thicken the sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Add the rest of the butter to make it extra creamy. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy the rich flavors! To stop your sauce from curdling, use low heat. High heat can make the cream curdle. Always add the cream slowly while stirring. This helps keep the sauce smooth. If you notice the sauce thickening too fast, take it off the heat. Let it cool slightly before adding any cream. Plan your prep time well. Start by seasoning the chicken first. While the chicken cooks, chop the garlic and zest the lemons. This helps save time. Have all your ingredients ready before you begin cooking. This way, you can focus on making the dish without rushing. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. This adds depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish. You can also mix in a bit more lemon juice for extra zing. Always taste as you go to adjust flavors to your liking. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Enhance the Flavor: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking to infuse more flavor. Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before simmering, ensuring a rich consistency. Garnishing for Presentation: Use lemon slices and additional fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a beautiful presentation and added freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily add veggies to your creamy lemon butter chicken. Spinach and broccoli work great. Just add them to the skillet when cooking the sauce. Spinach wilts quickly and adds a nice color. Broccoli adds crunch and flavor. You can also try asparagus or bell peppers for more variety. If you want to switch proteins, shrimp and tofu are great choices. For shrimp, add them to the skillet after the garlic. Cook for a few minutes until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Cube it and sauté until golden brown before adding it to the sauce. Both options keep the dish fresh and exciting. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you like it mild, skip any extra spices. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you can make the dish perfect for everyone at your table. After enjoying your creamy lemon butter chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and flavorful. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Remember, the sooner you store it, the better it will taste later. Cream-based dishes like this one can stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. After that, the cream may separate, affecting the texture. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To reheat your creamy lemon butter chicken, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help keep it creamy. Stir gently to avoid separating the sauce. You can also microwave it, but do so in short intervals, stirring in between. This helps maintain the dish’s delicious texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, use cold water. Place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Creamy lemon butter chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fluffy white rice - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Quinoa - Steamed broccoli - A fresh green salad Each side adds a different flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy! You can make some easy swaps to cut calories. Here are some ideas: - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. - Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free option. - Cut back on butter by using just 2 tablespoons instead of 4. - Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. These changes can help you enjoy this dish while keeping it lighter. Always taste as you go to keep the flavors balanced! This blog shared the essential ingredients and easy steps for making creamy lemon butter chicken. You learned how to choose fresh items and substitute ingredients. I also gave tips on cooking techniques and avoiding sauce issues. You can adjust the recipe with veggies or different proteins. Use the storage tips for leftovers, too. This dish is flexible and flavorful, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with a zesty lemon flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 large lemons, zest and juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for added creaminess.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through again and well-coated in the creamy lemon sauce.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword butter, chicken, creamy, dinner, lemon