Zesty Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Delightful weeknight dinners become magical with this creamy lemon garlic chicken that promises comfort and excitement.

Home cooking reaches new heights through simple yet spectacular flavor combinations.

Tender chicken breasts nestle in a luxurious sauce bursting with tangy citrus notes.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across each succulent bite, creating memorable meal moments.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction for busy home cooks seeking delicious solutions.

Succulent protein meets zesty aromatics in a dish guaranteed to impress everyone seated around your table.

Let’s unlock this culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Common Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Is the chicken safe to eat when it reaches 165F/74C?

Yes, this internal temperature ensures the chicken is fully cooked and eliminates harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption.

• Can I use a different type of flour for dredging?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or even gluten-free flour alternatives work well for coating the chicken before searing.

• What does deglazing mean in this recipe?

Deglazing is the process of adding liquid (in this case, chicken broth) to a hot pan to loosen and dissolve the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, which adds depth to the sauce.

• Why do I need to dredge the chicken in flour?

Dredging helps create a light, crispy exterior on the chicken, locks in moisture, and allows the sauce to cling better to the meat, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Why Lemon Garlic Chicken Deserves a Dinner Spot

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this lemon garlic chicken recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.
• Creamy, tangy sauce with golden-brown chicken creates a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free.
• Professional-level technique transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation without complicated cooking skills.
• Pairs beautifully with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or salad, offering flexible dinner options for different preferences and nutritional needs.

What Goes into Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, tender and perfect for absorbing creamy sauce flavors. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing chicken's natural taste. Use kosher or sea salt for better flavor distribution.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates golden crust and helps thicken sauce. Helps chicken achieve beautiful brown color when seared.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with searing chicken. Butter adds creamy richness, olive oil prevents burning.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced versions.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for sauce and adds depth. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Gives sauce luxurious, smooth texture. Full-fat cream provides best consistency.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, tangy freshness to the dish. Use fresh lemons for most vibrant flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify sauce. Smooth Dijon works best for seamless integration.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty finish to sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, herbal garnish. Adds color and light flavor to finished dish.

How to Cook Lemon Garlic Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Grab chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper. Dust each piece lightly with flour, tapping off any extra coating.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken breasts into the pan. Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

Add minced garlic to the same skillet and let it dance around for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and develop flavor. Mix in remaining sauce ingredients, stirring until the sauce starts to thicken and become luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the luscious sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything warm through together.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Customize Chicken Size: Opt for evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast flour briefly before dredging chicken to enhance nutty undertones and create a more complex taste profile.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Reduce Calories Smartly: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising rich flavor.
• Master Lemon Balance: Add lemon zest and juice gradually, tasting as you go to control tanginess and prevent overpowering the delicate chicken sauce.

Store and Reheat Lemon Garlic Chicken Like a Chef

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Let the chicken cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Safely keep the chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the chicken surface to prevent air exposure.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Pair with a zesty sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, highlighting the dish's bright lemon notes and cutting through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, complementing the chicken's garlic and lemon flavors.
• Prepare a creamy parmesan risotto that echoes the dish's luxurious texture and absorbs the delicious sauce while adding subtle complexity.
• Include a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the incredible lemon garlic sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor absorption.

Ways to Remix Lemon Garlic Chicken

Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lactose-free alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain creamy texture and add rich flavor.

Low-Carb Option: Skip flour dredging and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating. Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

Herb-Infused Version: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or basil. Add dried Italian herbs like oregano to the chicken seasoning for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Spicy Kick Variation: Include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the sauce. Incorporate diced jalapeños during garlic sautéing to elevate heat levels and create a zesty chicken experience.

Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic chicken dances with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Creamy sauce and tender chicken invite passionate cooks to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)

Seasoning and Coating:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce Base:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour, ensuring an even, thin layer covers the surface while shaking off any excess coating.
2. Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
3. Carefully place floured chicken into the hot skillet, cooking each side until a rich, amber-brown crust develops and the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juiciness.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, which takes approximately 30 seconds.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s bottom.
7. Incorporate heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, tangy Dijon mustard, and additional seasonings into the simmering liquid.
8. Allow the sauce to gently reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
9. Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, creating a rich, savory finish.
11. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a burst of fresh color and added flavor before serving immediately.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness before cooking, ensuring uniform and quick cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken texture.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly sauce variations that still provide creamy richness.
• Allow sauce to reduce naturally without rushing, which concentrates flavors and creates a more luxurious consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 160mg