A one-skillet creamy lemon chicken that tastes like you spent hours cooking—but shhh, it only takes 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken
Okay, let’s be real: there are a million chicken recipes out there, but this one? It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without actually requiring wizard skills.
Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken is buttery, garlicky, and has just the right amount of tang thanks to fresh lemon juice. It’s got that “hug in a bowl” quality that makes it perfect for weeknights, but it also looks kinda fancy on a plate—so hey, date night or dinner guests? Nailed it.
It’s also:
- Made in one pan, because we don’t need extra dishes today.
- Fast—30 minutes fast.
- Comforting and light all at once (how is that even possible?).
- Great for families, picky eaters, and even your low-carb cousin who’s suddenly keto again.
This is the kind of comforting chicken dinner you whip up after a long day when you just want something warm, creamy, and a little zesty.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets or pounded thin)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for that light dredge and golden crust)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (base of our creamy pan sauce)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (don’t skip this—it makes the dish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the magic happens)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness, lemon zest for brightness, or red pepper flakes for a kick
Ingredient Tips:
- Want a low-carb chicken dinner? Use almond flour instead of regular.
- Need a gluten-sensitive version? A gluten-free flour blend works great.
- Want a dairy-free alternative? Coconut cream is surprisingly good here.
This is what we love about simple chicken breast recipes: they’re customizable without being complicated.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken
Let’s break this down into steps you can follow even if you’ve got a toddler hanging off one arm and your brain is running on caffeine fumes.
1. Pound or Slice the Chicken
You want even-thickness chicken cutlets for this (yes, it matters!). Place each breast between plastic wrap or parchment and give it a few solid whacks with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Not only does this help with even cooking—it’s also wildly satisfying.
Bonus tip: Thin chicken = juicy, fast-cooking chicken.
2. Season + Dredge
Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then lightly coat each piece in all-purpose flour.
We’re talking a dusting here, not a full fried chicken situation. This flour-dusted chicken trick helps the crust brown beautifully and gives our creamy lemon sauce something to cling to.
3. Pan-Sear Like a Pro
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken cutlets in the pan—but don’t overcrowd. Let them sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Pro tip: Don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it get that crusty, golden sear. That’s flavor right there.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauce Time: This Is Where It Gets Creamy
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those browned bits), add a little more oil or butter if needed.
Sauté your garlic until fragrant—just 30 seconds or so. Then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the bits stuck to the bottom (that’s flavor gold).
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a dreamy lemon garlic sauce.
Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest if you’re feelin’ zesty.
5. Return the Chicken
Add the chicken back into the pan and spoon that sauce all over it. Let it simmer together for a couple of minutes so everything gets cozy.
Boom. You’ve just made a creamy pan sauce that’ll make you want to lick the plate. No judgment.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time
Dry chicken? Not today, my friend.
Here’s how to keep chicken moist and flavorful, even in a fast weeknight recipe:
- Even thickness is key. Don’t skip the pounding step.
- Flour it lightly. Helps lock in moisture.
- Don’t overcook it. Chicken should be 165°F at the thickest part. A meat thermometer is your friend.
- Let it rest. Even for just a few minutes—it makes a difference.
Want extra flavor? Add a splash of wine to the pan sauce or stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
What to Serve with Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken
This dish is basically begging for a starch to soak up that sauce. Here are some of our go-to sides:
- Angel hair pasta or spaghetti (yum).
- Creamy mashed potatoes or herby baby potatoes.
- Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or garlicky spinach.
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Looking for another cozy chicken idea? Check out our garlic butter chicken with Parmesan pasta for more buttery goodness.
Make It Your Way: Modifications & Diet Swaps
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a specific diet, there are easy ways to make this dish fit your lifestyle.
- Keto or low-carb? Use almond flour instead of all-purpose.
- Gluten-free? Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free? Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Need extra protein? Stir in some cooked white beans or serve over quinoa.
This dish is super forgiving and adapts well, which makes it a healthy lemon chicken go-to in our kitchen.
Meal Prep, Leftovers & Storage Tips
You can definitely double this recipe and stash some for the week.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Low and slow on the stove, or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze the sauce separately and add fresh chicken when reheating for best texture.
This is also amazing sliced cold on sandwiches or added to wraps and salads. Who says meal prep has to be boring?
Reader Favorites: What to Make Next
If you’re into creamy chicken things (who isn’t?), you’re gonna love these:
- Try our viral sticky honey-glazed chicken — it’s sweet, savory, and impossible to resist.
- Or go full date night vibes with our Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe — because food is definitely love language.
Actual values may vary depending on your flour or cream of choice—but it’s a solid fit for low-carb and keto-friendly diets.
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