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Creamy Butter Lemon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Lemon Chicken Recipe

Rebecca
This creamy butter lemon chicken combines juicy chicken pieces with a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, cream, and fresh lemon. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that can be paired with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 517 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions
 

  • Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss them thoroughly to make sure every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through so it browns evenly. Once all the pieces are cooked through and golden, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.
  • Using the same skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the skillet. Bring this to a quick boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
  • Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Add in the oregano and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce simmer and thicken for about 4–5 minutes. The combination of bright citrus and rich cream creates a sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful!
  • Stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt slightly before returning the chicken to the skillet. Add the remaining butter and toss until everything is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
  • Spoon the creamy chicken over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and a little parsley or extra lemon zest to give it that finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving and add fresh spinach.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Freezing: To freeze, skip the spinach and freeze the chicken with the sauce. Add fresh spinach when reheating.
Keyword Creamy Butter Lemon Chicken Recipe