Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken
Some nights just call for a cozy, creamy, flavor-packed dish that comes together quickly and effortlessly.
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken is a dream—tender, juicy chicken smothered in a luscious, garlicky lemon sauce that’s just the right balance of rich and fresh. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
If you love dishes that feel like they came straight out of a fancy restaurant but can be made in under 30 minutes at home, then this recipe is for you. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them get a nice golden crust. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but not browned!).
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Step 3: Bring on the Creamy Goodness
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes, ensuring they soak up all that creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy lemon garlic chicken warm and watch it disappear!
What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with just about anything! Here are a few ideas:
- Pasta – Toss some cooked fettuccine or linguine with the sauce for an extra comforting meal.
- Rice – A side of jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies – Try roasted asparagus, green beans, or brussels sprouts for a fresh contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes and this chicken are a match made in heaven.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken
✅ Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so cook just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
✅ Scrape the Pan for Extra Flavor: Those browned bits from the chicken? They hold so much flavor—deglazing with broth ensures you don’t lose any of it.
✅ Adjust the Lemon Balance: If you love a stronger lemon kick, add a little more lemon zest. For a more subtle flavor, reduce the lemon juice slightly.
✅ Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This chicken stores well and makes for great leftovers!
To Store: Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights or even for impressing guests. It’s easy, bursting with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying. Serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.