Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe – A Lusciously Tangy One-Pan Dinner

Creamy Lemon Chicken – Easy One-Pan Recipe Bursting with Flavor

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, quick, and hassle-free dinner, this Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe checks every box. It’s a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a zesty lemon-garlic cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or anytime you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor.

This recipe isn’t just about convenience—it’s about the balance of richness from the cream, brightness from the lemon, and warmth from herbs and garlic. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

30-Minute Creamy Lemon Chicken That Tastes Like Gourmet
  • ⏱️ Ready in 30 Minutes: Minimal prep, fast cook time.
  • 🍋 Perfect Flavor Balance: Creamy yet fresh with a citrusy zing.
  • 🍳 One Skillet Only: Fewer dishes, less mess.
  • 🧊 Great for Leftovers: Store and reheat easily.
  • 🔄 Adaptable: Works with chicken thighs, veggies, or alternative herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for subtle depth)

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley or thyme sprigs
  • Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This ensures a better sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Let rest at room temperature while preparing your skillet.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Build the Lemon Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux, which thickens your sauce. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, thyme, and paprika. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the lemon cream sauce over each piece, and let them simmer together for an additional 3–5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and the chicken soak in the delicious sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

Plate your chicken and pour extra sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or lemon slices if desired.


Serving Suggestions

Weeknight Wonder: Creamy Lemon Chicken with Garlic & Herbs

Pair this creamy lemon chicken with any of the following sides for a well-balanced meal:

  • 🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Classic and cozy.
  • 🍚 Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice – Absorbs the luscious sauce beautifully.
  • 🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
  • 🥖 Warm Crusty Bread – Ideal for sopping up leftover sauce.
  • 🥗 Light Garden Salad – Adds freshness to the richness of the dish.

Bonus: Alternate Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker Version

  • Sear seasoned chicken as described.
  • Add all sauce ingredients into a Crockpot, and place seared chicken on top.
  • Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until chicken is fork-tender.

Oven-Baked Version

  • After searing the chicken, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
  • Pour sauce over the chicken.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Let cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Chicken: This makes it dry. Always check the internal temperature.
  • Not Making a Roux: Skipping this step can lead to a runny sauce.
  • Too Much Lemon: Taste the sauce before adding more lemon juice—it’s easy to go overboard.
  • High Heat for Cream: It can separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Thighs add more flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cook time as needed.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

For a lighter version, yes—but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk is preferable.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely. Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus while the sauce simmers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.


Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories415 kcal
Protein32g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat29g
Saturated Fat13g
Sodium530mg
Fiber0.6g

The Best Creamy Lemon Chicken You’ll Ever Make (Easy & Delicious)

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is your answer to flavorful weeknight dinners without stress. It’s vibrant, silky, and packed with character—yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Once you serve it, your family will request it on repeat.

Whether you make it in a skillet, slow cooker, or bake it in the oven, this recipe guarantees success every single time. So go ahead—add it to your rotation and make weeknight cooking something to look forward to.

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