Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe (Bright, Comforting One-Pan Dinner)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy lemon chicken is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, making it a reliable choice for both weeknight dinners and relaxed entertaining. The tender chicken is seared until golden, then simmered in a smooth, velvety sauce infused with lemon juice and subtle aromatics. What makes this dish stand out is how the bright citrus cuts through the richness of the cream, keeping the flavors light and well-rounded. I tested this recipe with both chicken breasts and thighs, and each worked beautifully, depending on your preference. The sauce is luxurious without feeling heavy, and it pairs effortlessly with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Best of all, this recipe comes together in one pan, making cleanup minimal. If you enjoy comforting meals with a fresh twist, creamy lemon chicken is a dish you will return to often.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them ideal for absorbing the creamy lemon sauce while staying tender.

Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Olive Oil
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds subtle depth.

Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes of the dish without overpowering the lemon.

Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds body to the sauce and intensifies the savory flavor.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its smooth, luxurious texture.

Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice provides brightness and balances the richness of the cream.

Lemon Zest
Lemon zest adds concentrated citrus aroma and depth.

Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan thickens the sauce slightly and adds a savory finish.

Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings enhance all the flavors and bring balance to the dish.

Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds subtle herbal notes that complement the lemon.

Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color just before serving.

Directions

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making it a convenient 35-minute meal.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover creamy lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy lemon chicken is easy to customize based on taste and dietary needs. Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, richer result. I have also tested this recipe with a small amount of Dijon mustard added to the sauce, which gives subtle depth without overpowering the lemon flavor.

For added vegetables, spinach or asparagus can be stirred into the sauce during the final minutes of cooking. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the cream with milk, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Herbs such as thyme or basil can also be added for a different aromatic profile.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it adaptable for both casual and more formal meals.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish contains dairy and is high in protein. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for those following a low-carb lifestyle when paired with appropriate sides.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do Not Overcook Chicken
Remove chicken promptly to keep it tender.

Balance the Lemon
Add lemon juice gradually to control acidity.

Sauce Consistency
Simmer gently to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free butter.

Is this dish very lemony?

No, the cream balances the lemon nicely.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are great options.

What should I serve with creamy lemon chicken?

Rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat gently to preserve the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer slightly longer or add a bit more Parmesan.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

Is fresh lemon necessary?

Fresh lemon is best for flavor, but bottled can work.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes for heat.

Conclusion

Creamy lemon chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers comfort with a refreshing citrus twist. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and balanced flavors make it a dependable recipe for everyday meals and special occasions alike. With easy preparation and flexible variations, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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