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Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

Three pieces of golden-brown chicken simmering in a rich, creamy lemon sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Make this restaurant-style creamy lemon chicken in under 30 minutes using one skillet. This recipe features tender chicken breasts in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for light dredging)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken.
  9. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to heat the chicken through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
  • This dish pairs well with cooked orzo or fettuccine pasta.

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