If you are looking for a dish that combines vibrant citrus flavors with rich, comforting creaminess, this Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The tender chicken breasts are coated in a light golden crust, then bathed in a luscious lemon-cream sauce that’s bright, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for those moments when you want something both simple and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the crisp, golden chicken to the silky smooth sauce that pulls it all together. You’ll be amazed at how these basic pantry staples come together to make something so flavorful and comforting.
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise): Provides tender, juicy protein and ensures even cooking when sliced thin.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without overpowering the lemony brightness.
- Flour (for dredging): Creates a light crust on the chicken that helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps in achieving a golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter’s richness and prevents it from burning during cooking.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Builds the flavor base of the sauce while keeping it light and savory.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: The star of the dish, offering fresh, zesty acidity that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Brings a dreamy creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes as a finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets, which ensures quicker and more even cooking. Generously season each piece with salt and pepper on both sides for balanced flavor. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the chicken, then give each piece a light dredge in flour to set the stage for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter together with the olive oil. When the pan is hot and ready, add your chicken cutlets. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The combination of butter and oil prevents burning while maximizing flavor. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze with Broth and Lemon Juice
Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the hot skillet, scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck at the pan’s bottom. This step unlocks incredible depth and tang in your sauce, creating a perfect balance that will complement the creaminess to come. Let the mixture simmer gently for about a minute to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir it into the broth and lemon mixture. Return the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes or until the cream thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked throughout, soaking up the luscious sauce.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste your sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavor perfectly. For a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Your Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just decorative—it offers a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. You can also add a few lemon slices or zest for an extra citrusy pop and an inviting presentation that screams delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even a bed of tender pasta. Steamed or roasted green vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, provide a nice crunch and vibrant color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe over creamy polenta or gnocchi for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can also present the chicken cutlets arranged in a circle around the sauce for a stunning table centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so a gentle stir before reheating will bring it back to a perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers to maintain texture. They will keep up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling the cream. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is possible but use short bursts and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness; just adjust cooking time as they can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. The lemon still shines through beautifully.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Using medium heat and stirring gently while simmering helps keep the cream sauce smooth. Avoid boiling, which can cause separation.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken to keep that nice crust and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What wine pairs best with this Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe?
A crisp, citrus-forward white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the bright lemon flavor and rich creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its balance of tangy lemon and savory creaminess makes every bite memorable, while its simple steps ensure you can make it anytime without stress. I hope you enjoy cooking it as much as you will savor eating it. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your home.
Print
Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious lemon-infused creamy sauce. With a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, this quick and simple skillet dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 cutlets)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the garlic powder evenly on both sides. Dredge each cutlet thoroughly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and olive oil together until hot and shimmering. Place the floured chicken cutlets into the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, cooking for about one minute to reduce and enhance the flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through and cooked completely.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish if desired. Serve the creamy lemon chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may not thicken as much.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
- If parsley is not available, fresh basil or chives make great alternative garnishes.
