Simple & Creamy Lemon Chicken: Restaurant-Quality at Home

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant price tag or the complicated recipes? Look no further! This Simple & Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe delivers an explosion of bright, tangy, and comforting flavors, all in a single pan and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Forget bland chicken dinners! This lemon chicken boasts a velvety smooth sauce infused with the zestiness of fresh lemon, the richness of cream, and the savory depth of garlic and herbs. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken

* **Quick & Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a win!
* **Restaurant-Quality Flavor:** Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. About 1.5-2 pounds is ideal.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used for dredging the chicken, creating a light coating that helps it brown and thicken the sauce.
* **Salt & Black Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce. Adjust to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce. Fresh is best!
* **Chicken Broth:** The liquid foundation of the sauce. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
* **Heavy Cream:** The secret to the creamy, luscious sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
* **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adds an extra layer of lemon flavor and aroma. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme adds a savory depth to the sauce. You can use a pre-made Italian herb blend or create your own.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own creamy lemon chicken masterpiece:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian herbs.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Combine and Serve**

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to warm through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
5. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish.

## Tips for Perfect Creamy Lemon Chicken

* **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 (165°F or 74°C).
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a longer time. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy lemon chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve it over your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the lemon cream sauce for a complete meal.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all make excellent accompaniments to this dish. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with lemon chicken. The richness of the mashed potatoes complements the tangy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce.

## Variations and Additions

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

* **Mushrooms:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Cook until softened and browned.
* **Spinach:** Stir in a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce at the end of cooking. Cook until wilted.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Add quartered artichoke hearts to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Capers:** Add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness and flavor.
* **White Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy and complex flavor.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the lemon cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.
* **Storage:** Store leftover creamy lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?**
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

**Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different.

**Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?**
A: Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, searing the chicken helps to lock in moisture.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?**
A: Yes, you can add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to the sauce.

**Q: What wine pairs well with creamy lemon chicken?**
A: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs well with this dish.

This Simple & Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and easy-to-make meal. Enjoy!