Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Chicken forms the heart of this dish. I prefer boneless, skinless breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, we need olive oil to sear the chicken. It helps create a nice crust and adds flavor. Garlic is key for a bold taste, so use fresh minced cloves. For the sauce, we use chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth adds depth, while the cream gives that rich texture. Lemon zest and juice bring a bright, tangy flavor. Dried thyme adds an earthy note. Finally, season with salt and pepper to balance everything. This mix of ingredients creates a creamy lemon garlic chicken that is both tasty and comforting. The freshness of the lemon paired with garlic is simply delightful. You can garnish with parsley for a pop of color. {{ingredient_image_1}} Searing the Chicken Start with a large skillet. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about six to seven minutes. Look for a golden-brown color. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Removing the Chicken Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate. Keep it warm while you make the sauce. Sautéing Garlic In the same skillet, add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about thirty seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant, not burnt. This step adds a lot of flavor to your sauce. Adding Chicken Broth Next, pour in one cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the skillet. These bits have great flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Incorporating Cream and Lemon Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of two lemons. Then add one teaspoon of dried thyme. Let this mixture simmer for two to three minutes. You want it to thicken slightly. Simmering with Chicken Return the chicken to the skillet. Make sure to coat each piece well with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another two to three minutes. This step heats the chicken through and combines all the flavors. Serve your creamy lemon garlic chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges if you like. Enjoy the bright, tangy flavors! Ensuring Juiciness To keep your chicken juicy, start by seasoning it well. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This not only adds flavor but also helps in moisture retention. Sear the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. You want a golden brown color. This step locks in the juices. Cooking Time Tips Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink. If it is still pink, cook it a bit longer. Remember, overcooking can dry it out. Adjusting Thickness If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. This helps to reduce it. You can also add a bit more heavy cream to thicken it up. Another option is to mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir in. Flavor Boosting Ideas To elevate the sauce, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil or dill works well. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You could also stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Don't forget to taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice for more tang, if needed. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juiciness and safety. Make It Lighter: Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess. Infuse More Flavor: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and thyme for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Garnish Wisely: For a pop of color and freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try turkey cutlets for a leaner meal. Pork chops also work well. If you want seafood, shrimp cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the sauce. Simply adjust cooking times. Dairy-Free Options For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy. You can also use almond milk with a cornstarch mix for thickness. Just ensure the broth is also dairy-free. Vegetables to Include Adding vegetables can enhance the dish. Spinach or kale adds a fresh taste and color. You might consider adding broccoli or asparagus for crunch. Simply sauté them alongside the garlic for flavor. Spicy Options Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for a bolder kick. Adjust the amount to your taste. Enjoy the extra zing in this creamy delight! To store Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken, cool it first. Let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes. This prevents bacteria growth. After cooling, place the chicken in a container. Use a container that seals well. Glass or plastic containers work great. They help keep the chicken fresh. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken properly. The best method is on the stovetop. Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to trap steam. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in 1-minute bursts. Check for warmth each time. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender. To make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken, gather your ingredients first. You need four boneless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 3. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. 4. Remove the chicken and set it aside. 5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. 6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet to release flavor. 7. Bring the broth to a simmer. 8. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. 9. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. 10. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. 11. Simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes to heat through. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first for even cooking. You can defrost them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, follow the same steps as above. Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Rice or quinoa - A fresh garden salad These sides balance the creamy sauce and add color to your plate. In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and some handy tips. Don’t forget to choose the best chicken and season it well for a juicy dish. You can also try different proteins and add your favorite veggies for extra flavor. Proper storage helps keep your leftovers tasty. Now you have all the tools to impress your family at dinner. Enjoy cooking!$

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with a zesty lemon garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 piece zest of 1 lemon
2 pieces juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, lemon