Go Back
Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken with Crispy Zucchini

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken with Crispy Zucchini Delight

Vibrant lemon-infused chicken with rich butter sauce, paired with crispy mozzarella zucchini rounds and fluffy scallion couscous for a complete 35-minute dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken cutlets about 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat Spice divided, or Italian seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chicken stock concentrate
  • 1 lemon juice and zest - zest before juicing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided for zucchini and chicken
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous
  • 2 scallions white and green parts separated
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for couscous
  • 1.5 cups water for couscous
  • 0.25 cup water for sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Small pot with lid
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss zucchini rounds with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ teaspoons Tuscan Heat Spice, salt, and pepper. Spread on baking sheet in single layer and roast for 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized with golden-brown spots.
  2. Season chicken cutlets on both sides with remaining salt, pepper, and 1½ teaspoons Tuscan Heat Spice. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook chicken 3-5 minutes per side without moving until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to plate and tent with foil.
  3. In small pot, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté white parts of scallions until fragrant and softened, 1-2 minutes. Add Israeli couscous and toast, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes until some pearls turn golden. Pour in 1½ cups water, increase heat to high, and bring to boil. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer 6-8 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
  4. Remove zucchini from oven and transfer to bowl. Toss with panko breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese until evenly coated. Return to baking sheet. Switch oven to broil on high with rack 6 inches from heat. Broil 2-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds, until cheese is melted and golden with crispy brown spots.
  5. In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk together chicken stock concentrate with ¼ cup water, lemon juice, sour cream, and butter. Stir continuously until butter melts and sauce is smooth and heated through, 2-3 minutes. Sauce should coat back of spoon. Add water one tablespoon at a time if too thick. Remove from heat.
  6. Fluff couscous with fork and stir in sliced green scallions and lemon zest. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Divide couscous among plates, top with chicken cutlets, drizzle generously with lemon sauce, and serve alongside crispy zucchini rounds.

Notes

Watch zucchini carefully while broiling, checking every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Add water to sauce one tablespoon at a time if too thick. Cool chicken within 2 hours before storing. Store components separately for best results. Zucchini best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed in 400°F oven for 5 minutes.