Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy lemon chicken recipe, where tender chicken is enveloped in a luscious lemon-infused sauce. This dish combines the bright, zesty notes of lemon with the creaminess of a savory sauce, creating a delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest and juice of 2 lemons
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains about 450 calories, 30g fat, 38g protein, and 5g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest.
- Add dried thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Additionally, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Serving and Pairings
This creamy lemon chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover creamy lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Ensure the sauce simmers gently; boiling can curdle the cream.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor.
- Be careful with salt; the broth may already be salty.
Helpful Tips
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream.
- For extra flavor, add capers or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I pair with creamy lemon chicken?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and add the chicken just before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if you prefer.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines tangy and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for any dinner table. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it’s a recipe worth adding to your culinary repertoire.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest.
- Add dried thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition
