This Zesty Lemon Chicken with Creamy Butter Sauce is a perfect balance of bright citrus and rich, buttery flavor. Tender chicken is seared until golden, then simmered in a smooth sauce made with lemon, garlic, and cream. The result is a dish that feels comforting yet refreshing at the same time. It’s simple to prepare, ready in less than an hour, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon chicken recipe is both comforting and refreshing, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
- Flavor Balance – Tangy lemon cuts through the richness of butter and cream, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – The creamy butter sauce gives it an elegant, gourmet feel.
- Family-Friendly – Mild, creamy, and flavorful, it appeals to both kids and adults.
- Perfect Pairings – Works well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Zesty Lemon Chicken with Creamy Butter Sauce, gather the following:
- Chicken breasts or thighs – boneless, skinless
- Fresh lemon juice & zest – for brightness and tang
- Butter – unsalted, for a rich base
- Heavy cream – to make the sauce silky and smooth
- Garlic cloves – minced, for depth of flavor
- Chicken broth – to enhance richness
- Seasonings – salt, black pepper, paprika
- Fresh parsley – for garnish and freshness
- Olive oil – for searing the chicken
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, creamy dish that feels elegant but is easy to make at home.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step is to get the chicken golden and flavorful before adding it to the sauce.
Steps:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
This gives the chicken a nice crust and locks in the juices, making it tender and ready to absorb the creamy sauce later.
Making the Creamy Butter Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the recipe smooth, tangy, and rich.
Steps:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ½ cup chicken broth and juice of one fresh lemon. Scrape the pan to release browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add ½ cup heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
- Sprinkle in lemon zest and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
The result is a velvety sauce with a fresh citrus kick that pairs perfectly with the seared chicken.
Combining Chicken with Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Steps:
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken so it’s fully coated.
- Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and add a few lemon slices for presentation.
This step ensures the chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with the creamy lemon butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Lemon Chicken with Creamy Butter Sauce can be served in many delicious ways:
- With Pasta – Toss spaghetti or fettuccine in the sauce and place chicken on top.
- With Rice – Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- With Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the buttery sauce.
- With Bread – Serve with crusty bread to scoop up every bit of the sauce.
- With Vegetables – Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or roasted carrots make a healthy side.
Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, restaurant-style touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts and add extra flavor.
- Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Extra Tang – Add a spoonful of capers for a sharp, briny twist.
- Add Herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary can give the sauce a deeper aroma.
- Thicker Sauce – Simmer a little longer or stir in a teaspoon of flour mixed with water.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut cream and olive oil instead of cream and butter.
These simple variations let you adjust the recipe based on taste, diet, or ingredients you already have at home.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze cooked chicken with sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm gently in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
These steps help you enjoy the same creamy and zesty flavor even after storing.
