Get ready to experience the sheer delight of my Creamy Lemon Chicken! Picture this – tender chicken, sprinkled with seasoning and pan-fried to golden perfection, then bathed in a delicious lemon-infused cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! It’s my go-to one pan recipe for a quick and satisfying dinner, and once you try it, you’ll understand why!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What I absolutely love about my Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe because it’s bursting with flavor, incredibly simple to whip up, and can be served over rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite pasta for a hassle-free, one-pan meal! And that is my kind of recipe to make!
Inspired by my family’s love for lemony dishes, I fused the tangy zest of our cherished BBQ Lemon Chicken with the comforting creaminess of my Japanese Chicken Gratin to craft my unique spin on a classic lemon piccata dish!
After pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection, I slow-cook it in a heavenly blend of chicken stock, cream, and zesty lemon until every until every bite sings with deliciousness! Trust me, once you experience this mouthwatering delight, you’ll be craving it regularly—so why wait? Dive into this fuss-free recipe now and savor it for dinner!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Chicken – boneless and skinless chicken thigh or chicken breast.
- Olive Oil – extra virgin olive oil or olive oil of choice.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Chili Powder – ground red pepper. Can also use Cayenne Pepper but reduce amount by half.
- Garlic– freshly grated garlic.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Chicken Broth – chicken stock that comes in a can or tetra pack found at grocery stores. Can also use low sodium chicken broth if preferred.
- Chicken Bullion – concentrated flavors of chicken stock in powder form.
- Lemon – fresh lemons.
- Heavy Cream – heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
- Cilantro – freshly chopped cilantro. Can replace with parsley.
Additional Seasoning
Enhance the flavor of your Lemon Chicken by incorporating seasonings like Lemon Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cajun Seasoning, Lemon Zest, Parmesan Cheese, and Fresh Parsley for a deliciously elevated taste profile.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Use a Large Skillet with a Flat Bottom preferably to give your chicken plenty of room to slow cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 1 Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, chili powder, and any additional optional seasonings you prefer.
🍗 Chicken Pro Tip
If using Chicken Breast, consider Butterflying it or slicing it to a 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking throughout.
💡 Coating Pro Tip
Consider sprinkling a Light Coating of Flour when seasoning. This simple step provides a surface for the sauce to adhere to.
Step 2 Heat olive oil in a frying pan and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, covered, over medium heat, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and turns golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a holding plate.
Step 3 In the same frying pan, without cleaning it, add butter and grated garlic. Cook over medium-low heat until the butter is melted.
Step 4 Next, add chicken broth, chicken bouillon, lemon juice, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Whisk the ingredients until well combined and bring the mixture to a soft boil.
Step 5 Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened. Top it with freshly chopped cilantro and drizzle the sauce on top.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
Serve the chicken over Rice, Pasta, or enjoy it By Itself.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this Creamy Lemon Chicken with a Caesar Salad tossed in my proven dressing and a side of Creamy Chicken Soup for a complete meal that I know you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later. However, I recommend enjoying it freshly made for the best flavors and texture.
Can I adjust the amount of lemon flavor in the sauce to suit my taste preferences?
Absolutely! I've tailored this recipe to our families' zest preferences, but feel free to adjust the amount of lemon flavor in the sauce to suit your taste. Everyone's taste buds are unique, so I encourage you to experiment and find the perfect balance that suits you.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe for more flavor and nutrition?
Absolutely! Adding extra vegetables to this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also boosts its nutritional value. You can incorporate a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery or green peas.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers will remain fresh for 3-5 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lbs Chicken can use chicken thigh or breast
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 tsp Chili Pepper
Creamy Lemon Sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 tsp Chicken Bullion
- 2 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Grate the garlic and chop the cilantro.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Note - If using chicken breast, it's best to butterfly it or slice into 1/2 inch thickness.
- Add olive oil to a frying pan and bring it up to temperature over medium heat. Once it reaches the right temperature, add the chicken, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- In the same frying pan, add butter and grated garlic over medium heat and cook until the butter is melted.
- Add chicken broth, chicken bouillon, lemon juice, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined, then return the chicken to the pan. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Transfer the cooked chicken on top of your choice of rice, pasta, or enjoy it by itself. Drizzle sauce on top and sprinkle chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
