Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Breast Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Total time35 minutes
Servings4
Zesty & Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Breast for Busy Weeknights
Introduction to Creamy Lemon Chicken
Hey there! I'm just like you, always on the hunt for that perfect weeknight dinner recipe that's both quick to whip up and outrageously delicious. Trust me, I get it. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. That's exactly why I fell in love with this Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe. It's zesty, it's creamy, and it brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table without keeping you tied up in the kitchen. The combination of lemon and cream not only adds layers of flavor but also guarantees tender chicken that's anything but bland. Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, but so is taste!
Key Takeaways:
- Quick and delicious: Ideal for busy weeknights.
- Zesty and creamy: Flavorful combination of lemon and cream.
- Tender chicken: Ensures a delightful eating experience.
What You'll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts - the star of our dish, tender and ready for flavor.
- Lemon juice & zest - for that zesty kick that makes all the difference.
- Chicken broth - forms the base of our creamy sauce, chicken stock can be a substitute.
- Heavy cream - for the creaminess we all crave, coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Parmesan cheese - brings a savory depth of flavor, freshly grated is best.
- Garlic powder & minced garlic - because garlic makes everything better. Fresh or powdered, you decide.
- Olive or Avocado oil - for searing our chicken to golden perfection.
- White wine - adds a bright acidity to the sauce, broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices - for garnish, adding color and freshness.
Prepping Your Chicken
Getting our chicken ready is like prepping for an art project - it’s where the magic starts! First, I take those plump boneless skinless chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to get them thinner. This isn't just about cooking evenly; it's about every bite soaking up as much of that creamy lemon sauce as possible. Next, I sprinkle them generously with sea salt, black pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning for that extra flavor kick. Then comes my favorite part - the dredge! I whisk together some flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl and coat each piece of chicken, shaking off the excess. This little step is our secret to getting that golden crispy exterior that locks in the tender chicken goodness.
Cooking to Perfection
Getting the chicken to that golden brown perfection on medium-high heat isn't just about watching it sizzle. It's about the symphony of flavors that come alive when cooked precisely. I've discovered that the secret to ensuring your tender chicken gets that delectable sear is using the right amount of olive oil in a large skillet, making sure it's hot before gently laying the chicken in. As it cooks, those browned bits at the bottom of the pan, they're your ticket to an incredibly rich creamy lemon chicken recipe. It's those caramelized pieces that infuse the creamy sauce with a depth of flavor that bottled sauces can only dream of. So, remember, achieving that golden brown isn't just for looks, it plays a crucial role in the culinary marvel that is creamy lemon garlic chicken.
Saucy Delights
Ah, the saucy delights step, where our zesty adventure truly flourishes. Pour a splash of white wine into the warm embrace of your large skillet, watching it playfully sizzle, catching the glimpses of golden brown perfection from the chicken's earlier escapade. As it simmers, the aroma of garlic powder and those browned bits from the bottom of the pan start coming together in a symphony only a creamy lemon garlic chicken can sing. With a gentle stir, the chicken broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice join this merry dance, intertwining with the Parmesan cheese's richness, bringing out a creamy sauce so luxurious, it's almost sinful. And let’s not forget the velvety finish from a dash of cream. Each ingredient, from the zesty lemon to the robust white wine, plays its part, enhancing flavors and ensuring your tender chicken swims in a creamy lemon sauce that’s completely irresistible.
Bringing It All Together
Now, let's bring everything together like a cozy weeknight gathering. Gently lay the golden brown chicken into the velvety sauce, bathing it in that creamy lemon goodness. With a loving swirl of the skillet over medium-low heat, allow each piece to warm through, ensuring they're tenderly coated and infused with flavor. This is where the magic happens—the chicken soaks up the sauce, making every bite a dreamy, creamy delight. You've created more than a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy every zesty, comforting bite!
Plate, Serve, and Enjoy!
Now, for the grand reveal, it's time to plate, serve, and enjoy your masterpiece. Envision serving this zesty creamy lemon chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta, twirled perfectly on the plate, or for those of you leaning towards a low-carb option, a velvety cauliflower mash makes an exquisite base. Final touches matter, so garnish generously with fresh parsley and thinly sliced lemon slices for that visually stunning appeal that promises a burst of flavor with every bite.
With its cozy and delicious flavors, budget-friendly ingredients, and easy preparation, it's a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing and your loved ones impressed.
Krystel’s Cooking
Until Next Thyme
And there you have it, my dear friends – a zesty adventure that transforms your busy weeknights into a gourmet experience without the fuss. This easy creamy lemon chicken recipe is your new go-to, blending the tangy delight of lemon juice with the silky smoothness of a creamy sauce, crowned with the unmistakable richness of Parmesan cheese. Whether you're drizzling extra sauce over angel hair pasta or savoring every tender bite of chicken, this dish promises satisfaction with every forkful. Don't let another evening pass without letting the vibrant aroma of lemony chicken fill your kitchen. For those bustling evenings, remember, a little zest and a dash of cream go a long way to bringing smiles around your table. Until next thyme, keep cooking with love and a sprinkle of lemon zest!
If you're a fan of cream chicken check out my Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken!
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Sauce
- ½ cup cooking white wine
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream at room temperature
- 1 chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon cold butter
- Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
- Freshly sliced lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- - Start by cutting the chicken in half, creating two thinner slices.
- - Season the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning.
- - In a large bowl, mix together flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, and set this mixture aside.
- - Coat each side with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- - In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat, and then sear the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until it develops a golden crust. Set the chicken aside, leaving the brown remnants in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- - Pour in the wine and add the garlic. Set the heat to medium and let it gently simmer for roughly 4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half. While the wine is reducing, use a silicone spatula to scrape any remaining brown flecks on the pan and incorporate them into the liquid for added flavor.
- - Add the chicken broth, chicken bouillon, and mustard powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken and intensify the flavor. Then, reduce the heat to low.
- - Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- - Stir in the lemon juice and slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while continuing to stir until everything is well combined.
- Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth, velvety finish.
- - Reintroduce the seared chicken and let it warm through.
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