If you’re craving a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, Creamy Lemon Chicken is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. It’s the perfect balance of bright, zesty lemon flavor and a silky, rich cream sauce that clings to every bite of juicy chicken. Whether you’re hosting friends or need a cozy meal for the family, this recipe comes together in just over half an hour and always wows with its vibrant presentation and crave-worthy taste. Every spoonful brings a touch of sunshine to your table, offering that magical mix of tang, garlic, and creaminess that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Lemon Chicken is a celebration of simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in the flavor and texture department. You probably have most of them on hand already, and together they create something truly special for your dinner table.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the juicy, meaty base and soak up all that glorious sauce.
Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear that starts the chicken off right.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures the sauce has plenty of depth and gloss.
Garlic: Four cloves bring aromatic warmth—don’t skimp on this!
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the savory foundation for your sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, velvety finish—this is what makes the sauce truly creamy.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for that bright, lively tang—bottled just doesn’t compare.
Lemon zest: Doubles down on the citrus vibe, lifting the whole dish even higher.
Dijon mustard: Rounds out the sauce with a subtle, savory tang that ties everything together.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend to heighten the herbs and give a whisper of Mediterranean flair.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out all those delicious flavors—season to taste.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): If you want an extra-thick sauce, a touch of cornstarch and water does the trick.
Fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional): For a fresh finish and a beautiful pop of color when serving.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First things first—grab those chicken breasts and sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, letting each piece turn golden brown with those irresistible crispy edges. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base

Now, don’t wipe out that skillet! Drop in the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds—enough to release its perfume but not let it burn. This step gives the Creamy Lemon Chicken its irresistible, mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen and sets expectations high for the first bite.

Step 3: Simmer the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those golden-brown bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor! Now, whisk in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let everything mingle and come up to a gentle simmer. If you like your sauce a bit thicker, this is when you stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep whisking until silky and luscious.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them right into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let it all simmer together for another 3 to 4 minutes, so the chicken soaks up that summery, lemony goodness. Just before serving, sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Congratulations, your Creamy Lemon Chicken is ready to steal the spotlight at the dinner table!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a few delicate lemon slices to make your Creamy Lemon Chicken look straight out of a restaurant. Not only do these garnishes add a burst of color, but they also echo the zesty, fresh flavors running through the dish. If you’re feeling extra, a little finely grated lemon zest on top takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up every drop of the sauce. Fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangle of buttered pasta all make perfect companions. If you’re going lighter, try steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans—the freshness balances the richness and adds lovely color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and fan it over a bed of risotto, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a bistro-style vibe. If you want a stunning family-style platter, pile the Creamy Lemon Chicken high in the center of a shallow bowl, swirl with sauce, and let everyone dig in. Either way, this is a meal that looks as fabulous as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it sits, but that just means the flavor gets even richer overnight!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Lemon Chicken, but for best results, freeze just the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While cream sauces can change texture after freezing, this one holds up pretty well with a good reheat and stir.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but be sure to use medium power and stir often to prevent the sauce from separating. Hot tip: Serve with a fresh squeeze of lemon to wake everything up!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and actually stay even juicier in the creamy lemon sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cook time if they’re bone-in—thighs usually take a bit longer than breasts.

How do I keep the cream sauce from curdling?

The key is a gentle simmer and not letting the sauce boil rapidly. Add the cream after you’ve slightly cooled the pan and keep the heat on low so everything melds beautifully without separating.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is definitely best for Creamy Lemon Chicken! Bottled juice lacks the vibrancy and can be bitter, so if you possibly can, squeeze your own lemons for the sauce and zest.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Creamy Lemon Chicken is naturally gluten-free as written. If you use cornstarch for thickening, double-check your labels to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to adjust the tanginess?

You control the pucker! Feel free to add a little more or less lemon juice to the sauce, or even skip the zest for something subtler. Taste as you go until it’s just right for you and your family.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Chicken is pure comfort with just enough zing to keep you coming back for more. I truly hope you give it a try—let its luscious, lemony magic bring a little sunshine to your next meal. It’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again, and every bite tastes like a little celebration.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe that features tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious lemon cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley
Lemon slices

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Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, cook garlic, then add broth, cream, lemon juice, zest, mustard, and seasoning. Simmer.
Thicken Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, simmer in sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.