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Low Carb Chicken Dinner: Lemon Butter Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

Name: Low Carb Chicken Dinner: Lemon Butter Chicken with Zucchini Recipe
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 lb; zucchini 2 pieces; unsalted butter 3 tbsp; olive oil 1 tbsp; lemon 1 piece; garlic 2 cloves; kosher salt 0.5 tsp; black pepper 0.25 tsp; dried thyme 0.5 tsp; fresh parsley 2 tbsp

Bright lemon, melted butter, tender chicken, sautéed zucchini. A low carb dinner that comes together in one pan in 20 minutes — weeknight perfection.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 345 kcal

#high protein #low carb #diabetic friendly #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 lb
zucchini 2 pieces
unsalted butter 3 tbsp
olive oil 1 tbsp
lemon 1 piece

Seasonings/Sauce

garlic 2 cloves
kosher salt 0.5 tsp
black pepper 0.25 tsp
dried thyme 0.5 tsp
fresh parsley 2 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 7 g 8%

Protein 32 g 37%

Fat 20 g 55%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken breasts dry and cut in half horizontally for quicker, even cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
2

Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the butter foams, add chicken pieces; cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden.
3

Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook 3–4 more minutes until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.
4

Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to pan. Stir in minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add sliced zucchini. Cook for 2–3 minutes over medium-high heat until zucchini is crisp-tender but bright.
5

Return chicken to skillet. Squeeze lemon juice over all, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and spoon butter sauce over chicken and zucchini. Serve hot immediately.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The primary star is the boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides the dish's lean protein and satisfying texture. Lemon and butter combine to define the fresh, bright, and comforting flavors that set this meal apart, while zucchini adds a tender bite.

Q. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken and zucchini?

Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for just 4 minutes per side, then let it rest while you sauté the zucchini quickly. Use medium-high heat to keep the zucchini crisp-tender and avoid sogginess—don't overcook or walk away!

Q. What’s the best way to bring out flavor in this dish?

The flavor comes alive by layering fresh lemon juice at the end and sautéing garlic in butter before adding zucchini. This infuses the pan sauce and ensures each bite has vibrant citrus and savory notes.

Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving contain?

Each 220g serving has 345 kcal and is high in protein, with 32 grams per serving. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to keep your meals filling but low in carbohydrates.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for a diabetic- or low carb-friendly diet?

Absolutely—each serving contains just 7 grams of carbohydrates and 32 grams of protein, with the majority of calories coming from healthy fats and protein. There are no high glycemic ingredients, making it suitable for low carb and diabetic-friendly meal plans.

Low Carb Chicken Dinner: Lemon Butter Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

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