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Ultra close-up macro texture of golden pan-seared chicken cutlet smothered in velvety lemon garlic butter cream sauce with lemon wheels and capers

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

Tender golden-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a velvety lemon garlic butter cream sauce with briny capers, savory chicken bone broth, and fresh Italian parsley. An effortless 25-minute one-skillet dinner for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Chicken Cutlets & Seasoning
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (halal) halved horizontally into 4 thin cutlets, patted dry
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder for dry seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano crushed between fingers
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for searing chicken cutlets
Garlic Butter Pan Deglazing Foundation
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided; 2 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp cold butter to mount at the finish
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic finely minced or grated
  • 0.5 cup chicken bone broth (halal) for deglazing rich chicken pan fond
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 large juicy lemon
  • 1 medium fresh lemon sliced into thin rounds for simmering in the sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp capers drained, for sharp salty-citrus contrast
Velvety Cream Emulsion & Garnishes
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream room temperature preferred to prevent thermal shock
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated from a block for smooth melting
  • 2 tbsp Italian flat-leaf parsley finely chopped, for finishing

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prep & Season the Cutlets: Pat the chicken cutlets thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden sear. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Sprinkle both sides of the cutlets evenly with the seasoning.
  2. Golden Sear in Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a wide 12-inch heavy skillet or enameled cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken cutlets in a single layer without overlapping. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms underneath. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil.
  3. Aromatics & Broth Deglaze: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter into the pan drippings. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 45 to 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken bone broth and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, scraping up the browned chicken fond from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a brisk simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
  4. Emulsify Cream & Add Capers: Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and whisk in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan until the cheese melts into a silky, cohesive pan sauce. Add the drained capers and fresh lemon slices, simmering gently for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Mount with Butter & Glaze Chicken: Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of cold unsalted butter off active heat (monte au beurre) to create a glossy, spoon-coating finish. Slide the seared chicken cutlets and any collected resting juices back into the skillet, spooning the velvety lemon butter sauce generously over each piece. Simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped Italian parsley and serve immediately with buttered pasta, steamed rice, or crusty artisan bread.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving: 1g Calories: 420cal (21%) Carbohydrates: 4g (1%) Protein: 40g (80%) Fat: 26g (40%) Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) Cholesterol: 140mg (47%) Sodium: 590mg (26%) Potassium: 620mg (18%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (2%) Vitamin A: 780IU (16%) Vitamin C: 18mg (22%) Calcium: 140mg (14%) Iron: 1.6mg (9%)