Creamy Lemon Chicken is a bright, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy lemon sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of tangy and creamy. Often complemented with a touch of Parmesan cheese, this dish has a luxurious texture and a zesty, refreshing flavor that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
The first time I made Creamy Lemon Chicken, I was amazed by how quickly it came together while still feeling indulgent. The chicken was perfectly tender, and the creamy lemon sauce was rich and tangy without being overpowering. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables, and it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Special occasions
- Family meals
- Lemon lovers
- Comfort food enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Creamy Lemon Chicken will become your go-to dinner:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The tangy lemon and creamy sauce work together to create a perfectly balanced dish.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are seared to perfection, ensuring a juicy and tender texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients that deliver incredible flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights.
- Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The rich and velvety cream sauce coats the chicken beautifully and adds a luxurious touch.
- Bright and Zesty: The fresh lemon brings a refreshing zing that complements the creamy texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that is sure to impress guests, friends, and family alike.
- One-Pan Meal: Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: Adjust the amount of lemon or cream to suit your personal taste.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 22g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh lemon slices
- Extra parsley
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy, perfect for coating the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides depth and a savory note to the creamy sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Lemon Cream Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken Back: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Creamy Lemon Chicken:
- With Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- With Rice: Pair with fluffy rice or risotto for a complete meal.
- On Roasted Vegetables: Serve over roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for a lighter option.
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out servings for easy, make-ahead meals.
- With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- For a Fancy Dinner Party: Serve with a glass of white wine for a sophisticated touch.
- With Fresh Bread: Perfect for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- As a Weeknight Meal: Quick and easy for busy nights.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. Fresh lemon zest will also add a nice depth to the sauce.
- Pound the Chicken: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Sear the Chicken Properly: Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the chicken until golden creates a nice crust and adds flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust Cream Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk. For a richer texture, add more heavy cream.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can complement the lemony flavor and add freshness to the dish.
- Deglaze with Wine: After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine for an added layer of flavor. It also helps lift any browned bits from the pan into the sauce.
- Balance the Flavor: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with more lemon juice or a pinch of salt, if needed, to balance the richness.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness.
- Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with something light like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers Are Delicious: The flavors develop even more the next day, making this dish perfect for leftovers. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken: Use garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Chicken Piccata: Add capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for pan-seared tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Coconut Cream Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: A wide skillet is perfect for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Grater: For zesting the lemon and grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk: To stir the cream sauce smoothly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay moist in the sauce. - Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and add the chicken when ready to serve. - Can I freeze the chicken and sauce?
It’s not recommended to freeze the cream sauce, as it may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and make fresh sauce later. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute for a lighter or dairy-free version. - How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the heat is low when adding cream, and avoid boiling the sauce after it’s added. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and cook the chicken in batches if necessary. - Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. - What can I serve this with instead of pasta or rice?
Try serving with quinoa, couscous, or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative. - Can I skip the butter in the sauce?
Yes, the butter can be omitted for a lighter version. - How do I get the chicken crispy?
Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and crispy before making the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Chicken is a bright and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, tangy lemon cream sauce. The chicken is sautéed to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of butter. The result is a creamy, zesty sauce that perfectly complements the mild chicken, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce, and pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for balance. For an added pop of flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Lemon Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!