Description
This Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a bright and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy seared chicken, tender zucchini, and a luscious lemon butter cream sauce. Served over fluffy couscous, it’s the perfect blend of rich, zesty, and refreshing flavors — simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup couscous
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup heavy cream
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons chopped scallions
¼ cup water
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Meanwhile, cook the couscous by bringing water to a boil in a small pot. Add the couscous and a pinch of salt, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced zucchini and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Add up to ¼ cup of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- To serve, plate the couscous, top with the chicken, and spoon over the lemon butter sauce with zucchini. Garnish with chopped scallions and extra lemon zest.
Notes
Add baby spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Substitute couscous with quinoa, rice, or orzo for variety.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Top with grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
