If you’ve been searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and looks straight out of a restaurant kitchen, meet your new favorite: Creamy Lemon Chicken.
This dish strikes the perfect balance—zesty citrus brightness meets rich, velvety creaminess. The result? Tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious lemon-infused sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this one-pan wonder brings elegance to the everyday.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- 30 minutes start to finish – Perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile – Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Customizable – Works with dairy-free and low-carb swaps.
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 2 large | Can use thighs for juicier texture |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Unsalted preferred |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Fresh for best flavor |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low-sodium recommended |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Can swap with half-and-half or coconut cream |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Use freshly squeezed |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp (optional) | For extra brightness |
| Thyme | 1 tsp | Fresh or dried |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Season well |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped | Optional garnish |
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~410 kcal per serving
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps create a golden crust.
2️⃣ Sear for Flavor
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for maximum flavor. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice.
4️⃣ Simmer & Combine
Lower heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Creamy Lemon Chicken
- Room Temperature Chicken – Ensures even cooking and juicier meat.
- Wine Upgrade – Add ¼ cup white wine when deglazing for restaurant-level flavor.
- Ultra-Creamy Sauce – Stir in 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Citrus Boost – Zest the lemon before juicing to avoid bitterness.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Garlic roasted asparagus
- Herbed rice pilaf
- Creamy pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
🌿 Make It Your Way (Dietary Swaps)
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Low-Carb / Keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
- Light Version: Replace cream with Greek yogurt (add off heat to avoid curdling).
🥶 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
📊 Recipe Scaling
| Servings | Chicken | Cream | Lemon Juice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 cup | 2 tbsp |
| 4 | 4 | 2 cup | 4 tbsp |
| 6 | 6 | 3 cup | 6 tbsp |
📋 Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 130mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes—boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier and are just as delicious.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—store sauce and chicken separately to prevent sogginess.
Is fresh lemon necessary?
Absolutely—fresh juice and zest give the dish its vibrant flavor.
🏆 Why This Recipe Works
This creamy lemon chicken delivers contrasting yet harmonious flavors:
- Bright acidity from fresh lemon
- Silky richness from cream
- Umami depth from seared chicken and pan juices
It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for dinner parties—a rare recipe that truly does both.