If you love bright, zesty flavors paired with rich, comforting creaminess, then the Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. This dish masterfully balances the pungent aroma of garlic, the fresh tang of lemon, and the luscious texture of a homemade cream sauce, all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken breasts. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight supper or impressing friends at a weekend get-together, this recipe delivers a flavorful punch with surprisingly simple ingredients and minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the tender chicken breasts to the bright lemon zest and the creamy sauce base, each element adds depth and vibrancy to the final dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or cutlets: Using thin cutlets helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor upfront to complement the fresh minced garlic later.
- Onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory profile.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that brings earthy complexity to the chicken.
- Olive oil: For a light, healthy sear that locks in juices and adds fruity notes.
- Butter: Melts into the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The aromatic heart of the sauce, delivering fresh pungency.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce that coats every bite.
- Milk: Lightens the cream just enough to keep the sauce smooth and pourable.
- Lemon zest: Injects a vibrant citrus aroma that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds the essential tang that balances the richness of the cream.
- Lemon slices (optional): For an elegant garnish that doubles down on citrus appeal.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh green pop and mild herbal flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels – this helps get that beautiful golden sear later. If you’re working with whole breasts, slice them horizontally to create four thinner cutlets; this not only helps the chicken cook quickly but also makes the texture more tender. Once sliced, season each piece thoroughly on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. These simple spices build a flavorful foundation that makes every bite delicious.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add your seasoned chicken cutlets and cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re aiming for a nice golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring juicy, fully cooked meat. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you create that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add butter to melt, releasing its nutty richness. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute – just until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. This step is crucial because garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so keep an eye on it. Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often to incorporate all the golden bits stuck to the pan. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly, developing that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Warm Through
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece in the sauce. Turn the cutlets gently to coat them fully and warm them through for about 1 minute on each side. This final step lets the chicken soak up the tangy cream sauce, creating the irresistible blend of textures and flavors that defines this Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce. For an extra touch of elegance, lay thin lemon slices on top — they not only look gorgeous but also enhance the citrusy aroma as you dig in.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious lemon cream sauce. Lightly steamed asparagus or green beans add a fresh crunch and balance the richness. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables are a perfect match for this meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To make an impression, serve each chicken cutlet atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a colorful salad of arugula, radishes, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Drizzle extra sauce artfully around the plate and add fresh lemon wedges for guests to squeeze if they like an extra burst of citrus. Presentation truly elevates this harmonious dish from everyday to special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who could blame you for that?), place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day meal that tastes like you just made it.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Note that freezing might slightly change the texture of the cream sauce, but it will still be delicious after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power, as that might cause the sauce to separate. Slow and steady wins the flavor race!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and can add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking time since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk to lighten the sauce slightly, but the creaminess and texture will be less rich. For best results, stick to heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream alternatives. The flavor profile stays wonderfully vibrant with those tweaks.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?
Using thin cutlets is key to quick cooking and tender bites. Also, avoid overcooking by monitoring internal temperature or simply cutting into the thickest part to check for dryness.
What should I serve with this Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe for a low-carb option?
Try serving it with cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad. These options soak up the delicious sauce while keeping the meal light and carb-conscious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about this Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe. It feels indulgent without being complicated, bright without being overpowering, and reliably delicious every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this dish becomes a beloved favorite in your home too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken cutlets cooked in a flavorful, creamy lemon garlic sauce. With simple pantry ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The sauce is rich and tangy, complementing the seasoned chicken beautifully, and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (about 1 pound, organic if possible)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If using whole breasts, slice them horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets; if using cutlets, you can skip this step. Season both sides thoroughly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F or until no pink remains in the center). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and lightly browned. Pour in the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the brown bits from the pan and allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece and warming the chicken through, about 1 minute per side. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices for decoration.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or whole milk for a richer sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder in seasoning enhances but won’t replace fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.
- For dairy-free variation, substitute cream and butter with coconut cream and oil, though the taste and texture will differ.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
