Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce

Introduction

This dish is the definition of comfort meets elegance. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are bathed in a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and butter — a flavor trio that never disappoints. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season & Sear Chicken
    • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp). Remove and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce
    • In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
    • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
    • Stir in cream, lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  3. Thicken & Add Cheese
    • Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine & Serve
    • Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 2 minutes to reheat.
    • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Methods (Variations & Tips)

  • Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Extra Tangy: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before the cream.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter.
  • Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • One-Pan Pasta: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss with the sauce.

History

While lemon, garlic, and butter have long been staples in Mediterranean cooking, the creamy lemon butter chicken variation likely evolved from French-inspired pan sauces in the 20th century. Combining these flavors with cream and Parmesan creates a fusion between rustic Southern European and modern American comfort food.

Benefits

  • Quick & Easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Restaurant Quality — gourmet taste with simple ingredients.
  • Customizable — works with chicken, shrimp, or even salmon.
  • Family-Friendly — creamy and mild flavors appeal to all ages.

Formation (How It Works)

  • Butter & Oil Combo: Prevents burning while adding rich flavor.
  • Pan Fond: The browned bits after searing infuse the sauce with depth.
  • Lemon Juice + Cream: Balances richness with brightness.
  • Parmesan: Adds umami and helps thicken sauce naturally.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce is the perfect marriage of tangy citrus, aromatic garlic, and indulgent cream. It’s a dish that looks elegant on the table but is effortless to prepare — the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again.

For the Food Lovers

If your idea of heaven is warm, tender chicken smothered in a sauce you can mop up with bread, this is your dream dinner. One forkful and you’ll understand why lemon, garlic, and butter are called the holy trinity of flavor.

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