Creamy Lemon Chicken

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Golden-crusted chicken, a velvety lemon sauce, and a sprinkle of parsley come together in this irresistible dish that’s perfect for both cozy dinners and elegant gatherings. Creamy Lemon Chicken combines the bright zing of citrus with the richness of a cream-based pan sauce to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

This dish is quick enough for a weeknight yet sophisticated enough to impress dinner guests. Whether you’re spooning the sauce over pasta or dipping in with crusty bread, this chicken recipe is pure culinary sunshine.

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What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Creamy Lemon Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and offer a tender base for soaking up that luscious lemon cream sauce. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer cut with slightly more fat, which will yield an even juicier result.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein, seared to golden perfection.
• Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and building flavor in the pan.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luscious and rich.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Delivers that bright citrus punch that defines the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
• Parsley: For a fresh pop of color and herbal balance.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

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How To Make the Creamy Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds major flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let everything come together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, spooning the extra lemon sauce over each serving.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Lemon Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Spoon it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. For a lighter take, serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp garden salad.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and tend to be even juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan, though the flavor will be different.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and mustard are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze Creamy Lemon Chicken?

While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces tend to separate upon thawing. For best texture and taste, it’s better enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

What can I do if my sauce is too tangy?

If the lemon flavor is overpowering, balance it out by adding a bit more cream or a pinch of sugar.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy lemon chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a garlic parmesan sauce.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs glazed to perfection in a sticky-sweet sauce.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a quick and indulgent seafood dinner.
• Chicken Marsala with mushrooms and a rich wine sauce.
• Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with a zesty, fresh finish.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs or breasts? Did you serve it over pasta or with roasted veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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