Quick & Easy Chicken Lazone: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Chicken Lazone, a dish celebrated for its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, is surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe provides a simplified, quick version that’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing the deliciousness of the original. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes.

## What is Chicken Lazone?

Chicken Lazone is a dish often attributed to New Orleans cuisine, though its exact origins are debated. Typically, it features chicken breasts dredged in flour and spices, pan-fried to a golden brown, and then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms. The sauce is the star of the show, offering a comforting and decadent complement to the savory chicken.

## Why This Recipe Works

This quick and easy Chicken Lazone recipe is designed to be accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s why it works so well:

* **Speed:** Traditional Chicken Lazone can be time-consuming. This recipe streamlines the process without compromising flavor.
* **Simple Ingredients:** We use readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Flavorful Sauce:** The creamy garlic and herb sauce is the heart of the dish, and this recipe delivers a rich and satisfying flavor profile using easy techniques.
* **Versatility:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can add different vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the herbs to create your own signature version.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

* **Chicken Breasts:** 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup, for dredging the chicken
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, divided
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Shallow dish for dredging
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Chicken Lazone every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better.
2. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly. Be careful when slicing; place your hand flat on top of the breast and use a sharp knife to slice across. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the dredged chicken breasts in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add flavor to the sauce.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.

**Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the Chicken Lazone.
2. Serve immediately. Chicken Lazone pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Lazone

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for the sauce. Avoid using jarred garlic, which can have a bitter taste.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Don’t Burn the Butter:** Keep a close eye on the butter when melting it to avoid burning. Burnt butter can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
* **Get a Good Sear:** Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden-brown sear. This adds flavor and texture to the dish.

## Variations and Additions

Chicken Lazone is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

* **Mushrooms:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Sauté the mushrooms until they are tender before adding the chicken broth.
* **Onions:** Sauté diced onions in the skillet along with the garlic for added flavor.
* **Bell Peppers:** Add diced bell peppers to the skillet for a pop of color and sweetness.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Juice:** Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **White Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic for a more complex flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Chicken Lazone before serving for a cheesy twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Lazone is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for Chicken Lazone. The sauce soaks into the potatoes, creating a comforting and delicious combination.
* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great option for soaking up the sauce.
* **Pasta:** Serve Chicken Lazone over your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a healthy and balanced meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken Lazone.

## Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to get ahead on meal preparation, you can prepare the Chicken Lazone in advance. Here are a few make-ahead tips:

* **Dredge the Chicken:** You can dredge the chicken in the flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dredged chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce:** The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving.
* **Assemble the Dish:** You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Chicken Lazone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Chicken Lazone in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the sauce if it has thickened too much.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

## Conclusion

This quick and easy Chicken Lazone recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. The creamy garlic and herb sauce is the star of the show, providing a comforting and flavorful complement to the tender chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Lazone!