Here’s a bright and delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. It features juicy chicken in a rich, tangy, and creamy lemon sauce that’s perfect for serving with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep the juices in the pan.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
4. Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure it’s heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve the creamy lemon chicken with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up that delicious sauce!
Tips:
- For a thicker sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
- Add veggies: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Lemon flavor: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest depending on how tangy you like the dish.
This Creamy Lemon Chicken is tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced—a delightful, easy dinner that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor! Enjoy!