Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a burst of fresh flavor that enhances the chicken.
- Creamy Texture: The rich and creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it feel indulgent yet easy to prepare.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the mild yet delicious taste of this creamy lemon chicken.
- Nutrient-Rich: High in protein and featuring the health benefits of lemon, this dish supports a balanced diet.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic works as well.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Heavy cream: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Lemon: Both the zest and juice are used, so choose fresh, juicy lemons for the best results.
- Butter: A small amount adds richness to the sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby finish to the dish. You can substitute with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, adjusting as needed throughout the cooking process.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Temperature Control: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear. Cooking at medium-high heat helps to lock in juices.
- Deglazing: After removing the chicken, use the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. This step captures all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, enhancing the sauce’s taste.
- Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to the sauce intensifies the citrus flavor without making it too tart. Use a microplane grater for the finest zest.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
- Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Recipe Variations
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Mediterranean Flair: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Lemon-Herb Marinade: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Over Grains: Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Pasta: Toss with pasta for a creamy lemon chicken pasta dish.
- As a Salad Topping: Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon for an elegant finish.
- Pairing Suggestion: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony flavors beautifully.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best results.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A: Steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or pasta all pair well with this creamy lemon chicken.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer the sauce longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken it.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, especially if you use heavy cream and avoid high-carb sides.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Its versatility makes it suitable for various dietary needs, and the rich, creamy sauce paired with the bright lemon flavor ensures a satisfying meal every time. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a quick, flavorful dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try on social media, and let us know how it turned out! For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon slice to impress your guests.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon lemon zest and juice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.