Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something tangy, rich, and comforting, then this Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a zesty lemon cream sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. The best part? It’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You want to evenly coat the chicken for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Deglaze with Lemon Juice: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add tons of flavor to your sauce.
3. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 more minutes to absorb all the flavors.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken

• Zesty and Refreshing: The lemon brings a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream, making every bite feel light yet indulgent.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms to the sauce to make it a more complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice or Pasta:

• Serve this creamy lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce. A light buttered linguine works especially well.

With Roasted Vegetables:

• Pair this dish with some roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced, healthy meal.

With a Side Salad:

• A crisp, refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Chicken

Use Fresh Lemons

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it lacks the bright, vibrant taste you want in this dish.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

• Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. To ensure tender, juicy chicken, cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce

• If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or more lemon juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it sits, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Reheating:

• Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to help loosen the sauce as it warms up.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and the rich, tangy sauce will make this a regular in your meal rotation. With minimal ingredients and a one-pan method, it’s both delicious and hassle-free, ensuring you have more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, but the sauce may be thinner and less rich.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   While you can freeze the chicken, the creamy sauce may not hold up well when thawed and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
4. What other herbs can I use?
   Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even basil would make great additions to this dish if you want to change up the flavor profile.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
   Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus can be sautéed and added to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.

Yield: 4

Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Print

If you're craving something tangy, rich, and comforting, then this Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a zesty lemon cream sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. The best part? It's a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
   Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Cream:
   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at this point for extra creaminess and flavor.
6. Return the Chicken:
   Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve the creamy lemon chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce may not be as rich.

Lemon Flavor: Adjust the lemon juice and zest to your liking if you prefer a stronger or more subtle lemon taste.

Cheese: Parmesan cheese is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor and makes the sauce even creamier.

Sides: Serve with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.