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Creamy Lemon Chicken

Creamy Lemon Chicken
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Creamy lemon chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines bright, tangy lemon flavor with a rich, velvety cream sauce. This dish transforms simple chicken breasts or thighs into a savory, comforting entree ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying yet speedy dinner enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it browns nicely during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and create a savory crust.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese if using, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This step allows the chicken to fully absorb the tangy, creamy flavors and warms everything through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme for a bright color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches if necessary for a crispy golden crust.
  • Fresh lemons are essential for bright, authentic citrus flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid boiling and curdling of cream.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, lemon cream sauce, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-lemon-chicken/