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Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

Two seared chicken breasts covered in a rich, creamy lemon sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

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Make this restaurant-style creamy lemon chicken in just 30 minutes using one pan. This recipe delivers tender chicken breasts coated in a bright, zesty lemon cream sauce perfect for a fast 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 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 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 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. 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 and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, 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 slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and add more salt or 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.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, lightly dredge the chicken in flour before searing.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
  • This dish pairs well with angel hair pasta or steamed asparagus.

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