Here’s a Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe that is packed with flavor and topped with a creamy sauce. The perfect balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter — all complemented by a smooth, creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice (divided)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano on both sides.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon (that’s where all the flavor is!).
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to combine, and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add the Creamy Elements
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp butter to make the sauce silky smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for another 3–5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Serve
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates.
- Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Side Dish Pairings
This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: To soak up that creamy sauce!
- Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with pasta for a comforting meal.
- Cauliflower Mash: A lower-carb option to pair with the creamy chicken.
✨ Tips for Perfection
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer thighs, they work beautifully in this recipe and will stay juicier.
- Lemon Flavor: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra lemon zest to the sauce at the end.
- Creamy Variations: You can make the sauce richer by adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce for extra creaminess.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce is a comforting, yet refreshing dish that’s sure to impress! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, but also special enough for guests. Let me know if you’d like to try other variations or need a side suggestion! 🍗🍋
