Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that features tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety lemon-herb cream sauce. Quick to prepare and full of bright, savory flavor, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or when entertaining with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish balances freshness and richness beautifully. The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs cut through the cream for a perfectly balanced sauce that enhances the juicy chicken. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal made in one skillet, reducing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
• Butter (optional, for added richness)

Directions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
6. Stir in fresh herbs and a pat of butter if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and color.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, reheat gently and avoid overcooking the chicken during reheating.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

What herbs work best?

Thyme, parsley, rosemary, and basil all work well. Use fresh for best results.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the butter.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (such as broth) are certified gluten-free.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

What sides pair well with this?

Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables make great pairings.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but increase cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a mild heat.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the cream sauce may slightly separate upon reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet is a simple yet refined dish that brings freshness, comfort, and elegance to the table in just one pan. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s an easy go-to recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.

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