This Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken brings together vibrant citrus flavor with rich, velvety cream for a satisfying dish that’s both elegant and easy. Lightly floured chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and coated in a buttery sauce that balances brightness and depth. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but takes just minutes to make.
Designed for home cooks who appreciate flavor without complication, this recipe delivers impressive results in a short amount of time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pan chicken recipe is all about big comfort and simple preparation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken stands out because of its balanced flavors and silky sauce. The tanginess from lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, while the golden crust on the chicken adds satisfying texture. It’s fast, approachable, and fits a variety of meal styles, whether served with pasta, potatoes, or veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken breasts (600g / 1.2 lb)
Thin-sliced boneless chicken breasts help the meat cook quickly and evenly. You’ll end up with juicy, golden pieces ready to soak up the sauce.
Salt and black pepper
A simple but essential base seasoning for the chicken, bringing out its natural flavor.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
A light dusting of flour gives the chicken a golden, slightly crispy surface that holds the sauce perfectly.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
Used to pan-fry the chicken and start the sauce base, adding depth and richness.
Garlic (1–2 cloves, minced)
Adds warmth and aromatic flavor that blends well with the cream and lemon.
Chicken broth (1 1/4 cups)
Used to deglaze the pan and infuse the sauce with savory flavor.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup)
The key to that creamy texture. It thickens the sauce while mellowing out the acidity of the lemon.
Fresh lemon juice (3–4 tablespoons)
Adds brightness and freshness, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons)
Brings a bit of tang and complexity, rounding out the sauce with subtle heat.
Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup, finely shredded)
Gives the sauce body and savory depth. Always choose finely shredded cheese so it melts smoothly.
Chopped parsley (optional)
For a fresh finish and a pop of color.
Serving ideas
Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken
To make this dish, start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin pieces so they cook quickly. Season and coat them lightly with flour, then sear in butter until golden. The sauce is created in the same pan by sautéing garlic, then combining broth, cream, lemon juice, and Dijon. Parmesan cheese is added for richness and body. Finally, return the chicken to the pan and simmer until everything is well coated and heated through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Slice the chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This ensures faster cooking and better texture.
Step 2: Season and coat
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides, then dredge each piece in flour and tap off the excess.
Step 3: Pan-sear the chicken
In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the garlic
Add a bit more butter if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly, about 10 seconds.
Step 5: Deglaze and build the sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to lift any bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
Step 6: Add cheese and simmer
Stir in parmesan cheese and simmer the sauce for 3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
Step 7: Taste and adjust
Sample the sauce and adjust lemon, salt, or pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
Step 8: Return chicken to pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce.
Step 9: Serve immediately
Serve hot with your favorite side and spoon extra sauce on top. Garnish with parsley if using.
Helpful Tips
Use freshly grated or finely shredded parmesan for a smooth sauce that blends without clumps. Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce from curdling. A light flour coating helps the sauce cling to the chicken, giving you that extra burst of flavor in every bite.
Details
Flavor: Rich, creamy, bright with lemon and hints of garlic
Texture: Tender chicken with crisp edges and a silky sauce
Occasion: Quick dinners, family meals, or something special without the fuss
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Notes and Substitutions
You can use evaporated milk instead of cream for a lighter option, though the texture will be thinner. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. Pair with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or sautéed greens if you’re avoiding starches.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 497 kcal |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 193 mg |
| Sodium | 913 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 41 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding cream. Avoid letting it boil rapidly.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Thin-sliced chicken breasts or fillets are perfect. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce well.
Is there an alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, evaporated milk works well. It’s lighter but still creamy.
What can I serve with this chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, white rice, or steamed vegetables.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
Print
Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken | Irresistibly Rich and Tangy Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender golden chicken in a bright and creamy lemon butter sauce. A quick, delicious dinner made in one skillet.
Ingredients
600g chicken breasts
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
3–4 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken into thin cutlets
2. Season with salt and pepper, coat with flour
3. Sear chicken in butter until golden, remove from pan
4. Add garlic to pan and sauté briefly
5. Pour in broth, cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard
6. Stir in parmesan and simmer until sauce thickens
7. Taste and adjust seasoning
8. Return chicken to pan and coat with sauce
9. Serve warm with desired sides
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 497
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 913mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 193mg
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish that’s fast to make and sure to impress. The tender chicken and luscious lemon sauce strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a no-fuss meal that feels special, this recipe has you covered. Try it once and it’s bound to become a favorite on your table.