Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

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This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken features golden pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, velvety sauce with fresh garlic, Parmesan, and bright lemon. It’s an elegant yet easy dinner that’s ready in about 35 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a crisp crust)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly dust with flour if using.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and garlic, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce. Stir in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Make it creamy. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish with lemon. Stir in the lemon juice and taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Return the chicken. Place the chicken back into the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Optional Add-Ins

• Baby spinach
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Capers for a briny touch
• Fresh thyme or basil

Serving Suggestions

• Fettuccine or linguine
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Roasted asparagus
• Green beans
• Garlic bread
• Buttered egg noodles

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed).
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce if needed.

Tips for Success

• Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer—avoid boiling after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

This creamy lemon garlic chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a comforting meal that’s equally suitable for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.