Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to share my creamy lemon chicken recipe with you! This dish is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Imagine juicy chicken breasts simmered in a velvety sauce, bursting with zesty lemon flavor that just brightens everything up! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this creamy lemon chicken on repeat. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
- 1 cup heavy cream, to create that luscious sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, for added flavor
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested for that zesty kick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to bring out the aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish and color
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff—making this creamy lemon chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Heating the Oil
First things first, grab a skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step is crucial because it creates the perfect base for cooking the chicken, ensuring it gets that beautiful golden color and stays juicy. You’ll know it’s hot enough when the oil shimmers a bit—just be careful, as it can splatter if you’re not paying attention!
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to season those 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—give them a generous sprinkle! Now, place the chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that lovely golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Ooh, the smell is already amazing!
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in 2 minced cloves of garlic and sauté them for about a minute until fragrant, but don’t let them burn—oops! Now, add in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, the juice and zest of that zesty lemon, and stir it all together. This will help lift all those delicious bits stuck to the pan. Finally, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Wow, it’s starting to look creamy and dreamy!
Step 4: Combining Chicken and Sauce
Now, return the chicken back to the skillet, letting it soak in all that luscious sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes. This gives the chicken a chance to absorb all that lemony goodness while the sauce thickens just a bit. Once it’s nicely coated, you’re ready to serve! Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your creamy lemon chicken!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this creamy lemon chicken! Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just a general guideline.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 40g
So, there you have it! This creamy lemon chicken is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every bite while knowing you’re treating yourself right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this creamy lemon chicken up in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty lemon and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, and we all know that’s a win in the kitchen!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or veggies to make it your own.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Impress Your Guests: Serve this elegant dish at your next dinner party, and your friends will think you’re a gourmet chef!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy lemon chicken turns out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Don’t rush the oil: Make sure your olive oil is nice and hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that beautiful golden crust and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Check the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, you’ll avoid any guesswork and know it’s cooked perfectly!
- Adjust the lemon: If you love a punch of lemon, feel free to add more juice or zest to the sauce. Taste it as you go, and make it as zesty as you like!
- Let it simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer after adding the cream. This thickens it up beautifully and melds all those flavors together. Just don’t let it boil too hard!
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Don’t skip this step!
- Serve it right: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta, which soak up all that creamy goodness. So, don’t forget your side dish!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of creamy lemon chicken! Trust me, the results will be so satisfying and worth the effort!
Variations
One of the best things about this creamy lemon chicken is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep your taste buds excited. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. They pair beautifully with lemon and chicken!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes when you add the cream. They’ll cook down nicely and add a pop of color and nutrition to your dish.
- Mushroom Medley: For a heartier dish, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic. They’ll soak up the creamy sauce and add a delicious earthiness.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It’ll give your creamy lemon chicken a delightful zing!
- Caprese Twist: Add fresh basil and mozzarella cheese towards the end of cooking for a Caprese-inspired version. The melty cheese with the lemony sauce is simply divine!
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.
Experimenting with these variations not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to make this creamy lemon chicken uniquely yours. So, get creative, and have fun in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store your creamy lemon chicken so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! First off, once the chicken has cooled down a bit, transfer it into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure you let it cool completely before sealing it up—this helps prevent condensation and keeps everything nice and tasty.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of options for you. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave. Just place your creamy lemon chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep it moist), and heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
If you prefer a stovetop method, which I highly recommend for the best flavor and texture, simply add the leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir it occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. This way, you’ll bring back that creamy goodness without drying it out. Yum!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your creamy lemon chicken even after the first serving. It’s just as delicious the next day, trust me!
Imprimer
Creamy Lemon Chicken: 5 Steps to Zesty Perfection
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious creamy lemon chicken dish that is easy to prepare.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or pasta.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 5g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: creamy lemon chicken, chicken recipe, easy chicken dish
