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Golden seared chicken breasts in a creamy lemon herb sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Creamy Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Breasts

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic butter lemon sauce with fresh herbs. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano/basil/thyme mix
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
  • Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Make creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Tips & Variations

Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Extra lemony: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for more brightness.
Cheesy twist: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan for a tangy, creamy sauce.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Keyword creamy lemon chicken, garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken recipe, quick weeknight dinner