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Lemon Butter Chicken with Crispy Zucchini

Juicy pan-seared chicken bites smothered in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, served with golden crispy zucchini and cauliflower rice. A perfect low-carb 30-minute meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Keto
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
Lemon Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.33 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Sides
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice cooked

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini slices in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside with zucchini.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return chicken and zucchini to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer 1 more minute to heat through.
  8. Serve immediately over cauliflower rice, garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices.

Notes

For extra thick sauce, you can dust the chicken in a little flour before searing, though this adds carbs.