Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce with heavy cream and parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes using pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 large lemons (juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.25 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp capers, drained (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess, and set aside on a plate.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter. Once foaming subsides, add chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in fresh lemon juice and whisk to scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and stir constantly until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens slightly.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and capers. Simmer for 1 minute until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Heat through for 30 seconds and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. If the sauce splits, remove from heat and whisk vigorously with a splash of cold water or cream. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and butter for olive oil. Serve over angel hair pasta, linguine, or with mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken piccata, creamy lemon chicken, quick weeknight dinner, 20 minute meals, one pan chicken, easy chicken recipe, lemon butter sauce