This One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken is a simple, flavor-packed dinner that is impressive without complicated steps. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, zesty lemon garlic sauce for a meal that's easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for guests.
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken is a Game Changer!
Creating recipes that bring big flavor to the table without making dinner feel complicated has always been important in my kitchen. After several rounds of testing, I found this combination of lemon juice, garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream creates a bright, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with lean chicken breast while naturally keeping the meal low carb and high in protein.
This lemon garlic chicken comes together in about 35 minutes using simple, familiar ingredients and easy to follow steps. Since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup stays minimal, making this a dependable dinner you can turn to on busy nights when you still want to serve something comforting and family-friendly.
What You'll Need to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: you'll need two, large chicken breasts
- Olive Oil: avocado oil will also work
- Dairy: heavy whipping cream and parmesan cheese
- Herbs and Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and basil
- Chicken Broth: white wine is a flavorful alternative
- Flavor Makers: lemon juice and garlic cloves
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken
- First, slice the chicken breast as if you are butterflying it, but slice all the way through. Now you have four thin chicken breasts which should be about right for 4 servings. Next, combine the spices and sprinkle evenly over each side of the chicken.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Then sear the chicken 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. The chicken does not have to be cooked through. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Next you will deglaze the pan by slowly pouring the chicken broth (or wine) into the pan as you scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the crushed garlic to the skillet. Now, increase heat to medium high and bring the liquid to a simmer. Allow the mixture to reduce by half, this will take about 6 minutes.
- Once the liquid has reduced by half, add the lemon juice, parmesan, and heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Then stir the liquid occasionally over the next four minutes as it begins to thicken (reduce the heat if you feel it is too high)
- Now that the sauce has thickened, add the chicken back to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to medium low. Ensure the chicken is heated through. When it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, top with basil and serve.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe Tips and Tricks
- If you prefer dark meat, you could swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Save some time by prepping the chicken the morning or even the day before you plan to serve. Then just store in the fridge until you're ready to cook the chicken.
- Swap out the chicken broth for white wine to enhance the flavor even more.
What to Serve with Lemon Herb Chicken
I've shared some of my favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with this creamy lemon chicken. These options help round out the meal with flavors and textures that complement the bright, savory sauce.
Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken
Before storing, allow the chicken to cool completely then place in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The simplest method for reheating is to microwave in 30-second increments until reheated to your desired level. You can also reheat at 350 degrees in the oven for about 5 minutes, then broil for a minute to make the edges crisp. My preferred method is to reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes. Toss the leftovers after about 2 minutes.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
One Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado or olive oil
- 2 large chicken breast cut in half
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth OR white wine
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons basil
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast as if you are butterflying it, but slice all the way through. This will give you four thin chicken breasts instead of two large chicken breasts. Combine the spices and sprinkle evenly over each side of the chicken.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. The chicken does not have to be cooked through. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan by slowly pouring the chicken broth (or wine) into the pan as you scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the crushed garlic to the skillet. Increase heat to medium high and bring the liquid to a simmer. Allow the mixture to reduce by half, this will take about 6 minutes.
- Once the liquid has reduced by half add the lemon juice, parmesan and heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Stir the liquid occasionally over the next four minutes as it begins to thicken (reduce the heat if you feel it is too high)
- Once the sauce has thickened add the chicken to the skillet, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Allow the chicken to heat through. When it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees top with basil and serve.
Nutrition Information
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