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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
- 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.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juiciness.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, which takes approximately 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s bottom.
- Incorporate heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, tangy Dijon mustard, and additional seasonings into the simmering liquid.
- Allow the sauce to gently reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
- Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, creating a rich, savory finish.
- 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