Creamy lemon chicken is a delicious recipe that mixes the zesty freshness of lemon with the richness of a creamy sauce. This popular dish, which has a pleasing combination of flavors, is ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
You will discover how to make this dish exactly as described in this comprehensive tutorial, along with suggestions for personalizing it.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
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minutesCreamy lemon chicken is a delicious recipe that mixes the zesty freshness of lemon with the richness of a creamy sauce. This popular dish, which has a pleasing combination of flavors, is ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step for Cook Creamy Lemon chicken.
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
For a crispy texture, you can lightly dredge the chicken in flour before cooking.
2: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy lemon sauce.
- Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the creamy lemon chicken to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and extra zest.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus in the skillet before adding the sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Skip dredging the chicken in flour, or use gluten-free flour if you prefer.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Creamy lemon chicken is the ideal combination of zesty citrus flavors and creamy comfort food. It’s adaptable, simple to make, and guaranteed to please both your family and visitors.
This recipe for creamy lemon chicken will elevate your meal; it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. This recipe will quickly become a mainstay in your kitchen, whether you’re preparing it for a little gathering at home or for a large gathering.
Enjoy your meal!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavourful and tend to stay juicy, making them a great option for this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than chicken breasts.
Can I make the creamy lemon sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the cooked chicken to combine. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can thin it with a little chicken broth or water.
Can I freeze creamy lemon chicken?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) in place of heavy cream if you want a lighter or dairy-free version. You may wish to add a little more Parmesan cheese to preserve the creamy texture because using milk will make the sauce lighter and less rich.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) in place of heavy cream if you want a lighter or dairy-free version. You may wish to add a little more Parmesan cheese to preserve the creamy texture because using milk will make the sauce lighter and less rich.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with different herbs to suit your taste. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can all complement the lemony flavor of the dish. Simply add them to the sauce while it’s simmering or garnish the dish at the end for added freshness.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can boil the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid if you want a thicker sauce. An alternative is to make a slurry by whisking a little amount of flour or cornstarch into the sauce after combining it with water. Continue cooking for a minute or two more to achieve the desired consistency of thickening.
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