If you’re craving a dish that radiates bright flavors and comforting creaminess all in one bite, you’re going to love this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich cream that transforms simple chicken breasts into a luscious, restaurant-quality meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is the perfect go-to for impressing yourself and anyone you invite to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the vibrant layers of flavor and the creamy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts or cutlets: Using thin cutlets ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors and enhances seasoning.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide a base of savory umami notes.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a warm, herbaceous background.
- Olive oil: For a light, fruity sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced to deliver punchy aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream and milk: Combine for a luscious, creamy sauce that isn’t too heavy.
- Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: Provide the bright, citrusy notes that make this dish so refreshing.
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional): For a colorful, fresh garnish that elevates the presentation.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. If you have whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create four thin cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, creating a perfectly balanced flavor foundation.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken cutlets in the pan and cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through (look for a safe internal temperature of 165°F). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Reduce your skillet’s heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly browned—don’t let it burn, or the sauce might taste bitter. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to lift all the delicious browned bits from the pan. Let it thicken slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, creating a luxuriously silky sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Warm Through
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, turning each piece to coat them in that dreamy sauce. Let the chicken warm through for about a minute per side so those flavors meld beautifully. Now it’s ready to serve with an extra drizzle of sauce on top.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh finely chopped parsley and thin slices of lemon are simple but perfect compliments to garnish the dish. The parsley adds a burst of greenery and a fresh, mild herbaceous note, while the lemon slices enhance the citrus aroma, creating an inviting presentation that looks almost too good to eat.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, complementary side dishes. Consider fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy lemon sauce, or steamed green beans and asparagus for a fresh, crisp contrast. A side of cooked quinoa or wild rice also adds a hearty element that balances the tangy creaminess beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe for guests or family, try serving the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds or pine nuts for subtle crunch and extra flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal with all the same wonderful flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe by storing the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. Reheat slowly to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and a suitable plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different, featuring a hint of coconut.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your spices and cream don’t contain hidden gluten additives.
What should I serve with this chicken to make it a complete meal?
Pair it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain like rice or pasta. Mashed potatoes or a crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy lemon sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker if I prefer it that way?
Let the sauce simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken naturally. If needed, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to reach your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, filled with fresh, bright, and comforting flavors. I seriously can’t recommend it enough—it’s quick, satisfying, and delivers that wow factor every time. Give it a try, and make it your new favorite weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious creamy lemon garlic sauce. The dish combines bright citrus flavors with savory garlic and herbs for a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (about 1 pound, organic if possible)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. If using full breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. If you already have cutlets, skip this slicing step. Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or until the center is no longer pink). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until lightly browned and aromatic. Pour in heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the pan, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat in the sauce and warm through for about 1 minute per side. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use organic chicken breasts or cutlets.
- Don’t skip drying the chicken before seasoning to ensure better browning.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- The sauce can be thickened further by simmering a little longer if desired.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
