Creamy Lemon Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together juicy pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer optional, but helpful
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs total
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons
- tsp lemon zest
- tsp Dijon mustard
- tsp garlic powder
- tsp onion powder
- cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for extra richness
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using, whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.Return Chicken to Pan: Place chicken breasts back in the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Serving Size | ~225 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg |
| Sodium | 370 mg |
| Potassium | 520 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 110 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes longer.
- Extra Zing: Add a few capers or a splash of white wine for added flavor depth.
- Cream Alternative: Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Serving Ideas
Creamy Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide variety of sides, making it easy to tailor to any occasion or dietary preference.
For a hearty and comforting meal, serve it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, garlic-infused rice, or al dente pasta like fettuccine or linguine.
The creamy lemon sauce doubles as a delicious dressing for these starches, soaking in and amplifying their flavor.
For a lighter or low-carb option, try serving the chicken alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Green beans
Zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complement the bright flavors of the sauce without adding heaviness.
Crusty bread or garlic toast can also be a great addition to help scoop up any leftover sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking to tailor this recipe to dietary needs, pantry limitations, or personal preferences, here are some great substitution options that keep the flavor and texture intact:
- Chicken thighs: Juicier than breasts, they add richness and stay moist longer.
- Turkey cutlets: A leaner, slightly gamey option that pairs well with lemon.
Cream:
- Half-and-half or light cream: Reduces the fat content while maintaining creaminess.
- Coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk: A great dairy-free alternative with a slight tropical note.
- Greek yogurt (stirred in at the end): For a tangy, lighter option—be sure not to boil after adding to avoid curdling.
Lemon Flavor:
- Bottled lemon juice: Can be used in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for brightness.
- White wine: Replace half of the lemon juice with dry white wine for a deeper, more nuanced flavor.
For the Seasonings and Flavor Boosters:
- Shallots or onion: Finely chopped and sautéed with garlic for added depth.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Excellent herbs to complement lemon and add earthiness.
- Capers: Add a salty, briny punch that pairs beautifully with lemon and cream.
Cheesy Finish:
- Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano: For a sharper, saltier finish instead of Parmesan.
A healthy, satisfying meal that fits perfectly in your nutrition journal – learn how to keep one here!
Summary
Creamy Lemon Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers bold citrus and savory richness in every bite. It’s an ideal option for weeknight meals when time is short but you still want something satisfying and delicious.
Quick cooking, minimal prep, and a sauce that’s hard to resist make it a go-to recipe you’ll come back to.
Serve it with your favorite sides or swap in alternative ingredients to suit your preferences. Flexible, fast, and full of flavor, it’s a reliable recipe to keep in your regular rotation. Try it once, and it’s likely to become a favorite at the table.
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
