Creamy Lemon Chicken

The bright acidity of lemon and the richness of cream create a sauce that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light. This creamy lemon chicken recipe is the kind of dish that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a small, delicious celebration. It’s the answer to that familiar weeknight question: what can I make that’s comforting, quick, and feels a little special? This dish is it. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

I think we all need a few reliable recipes in our back pocket that deliver big flavor without demanding a big effort. This creamy lemon chicken is one of mine. It’s a cozy, one-pan wonder where tender chicken simmers in a velvety, bright sauce that begs to be soaked up with rice. It’s comfort food, made easy. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. If you’re looking for simple chicken recipes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, you’ve found your new weeknight favorite.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Lemon Chicken

This creamy lemon chicken recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients, many of which you likely have on hand. The magic is in how they combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy chicken dinner.

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for cooking

• For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (see swaps below)
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds great depth)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Chicken: Thighs will yield a richer, more forgiving result, but breasts work beautifully for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook.
• Cream: For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. For dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk.
• Broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the seasoning.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes are lovely additions.

Timing for This Simple Chicken Recipe

One of the best things about this creamy lemon chicken is how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect quick chicken dinner idea.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s right—from fridge to table in about half an hour. It’s about 30% faster than many baked chicken dinner meals, with all the flavor and comfort intact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof creamy lemon chicken that’s packed with flavor.

1. 
   

   Season and Coat the Chicken. Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel—this helps them brown beautifully. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and flour until evenly coated. The flour is our secret for a lightly thickened sauce later.

   
   
2. 
   

   Brown the Chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through yet. Transfer to a clean plate.

   
   
3. 
   

   Build the Sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken with a wooden spoon. This is pure flavor.

   
   
4. 
   

   Simmer and Combine. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Finish the Dish. Return the browned chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the creamy lemon sauce. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a rich, coating consistency.

   
   
6. 
   

   Garnish and Serve. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in most of the fresh parsley, saving a little for a bright garnish on top. Serve your creamy lemon chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

   
   

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4)

This creamy lemon chicken is a balanced, satisfying meal. Approximate values are provided for general guidance.

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 26g
• Key Notes: The chicken provides high-quality protein, while the lemon juice offers a boost of vitamin C. Using heavy cream and Parmesan contributes calcium and creates that irresistible, velvety texture that defines this dish.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this creamy lemon chicken. Just a few trusty kitchen staples.

• A large skillet (10-12 inch) or Dutch oven with deep sides. Non-stick or stainless steel both work.
• A sharp knife and cutting board.
• A microplane or zester for the lemon.
• A citrus juicer (or just your strong hands!).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and scraping up those flavorful bits.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

This dish earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

1. Weeknight Hero. It’s genuinely quick and uses one pan, meaning less time cooking and less time cleaning. The ultimate quick chicken dinner idea.
2. Flavor That Wows. The sauce is the star—tangy, creamy, savory, and herbaceous all at once. It’s restaurant-quality from your own stove.
3. Incredibly Versatile. Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a crusty loaf of bread. It adapts to what you have.
4. Feels Special. This isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a cozy, impressive meal that’s perfect for casual family dinners or even serving to guests.
5. Leftovers Are Amazing. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making fantastic next-day lunches.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily adapt this creamy lemon chicken to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of cornstarch or a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend when coating the chicken.
• Dairy-Free/Lighter: Use full-fat canned coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. For the Parmesan, you can omit it or use a nutritional yeast sprinkle for a cheesy flavor. The sauce will be different but still delicious.
• Lower-Carb: Serve the creamy lemon chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables instead of traditional rice or pasta.
• Higher-Protein: The recipe is already protein-packed! You can increase the portion of chicken slightly or serve it with a side of quinoa.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy lemon chicken is a complete meal when paired with the right sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it.

• The Classic: A big mound of steamed white or brown rice is the perfect vehicle for that glorious sauce. For another complete rice bowl idea, check out our Chicken Street Corn Rice Bowls.
• Pasta Night: Toss it with cooked fettuccine, linguine, or orzo right in the skillet. If you love lemon and pasta, our Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo is a must-try.
• Keep it Low-Lift: Roast some broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on a sheet pan while the chicken cooks. For another effortless sheet pan dinner, our Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken is a family favorite.
• For Sopping: Creamy mashed potatoes or a loaf of warm, crusty bread are non-negotiable for some. Don’t let a drop of that sauce go to waste.
• Garnish Galley: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley, a few thin lemon slices, or an extra crack of black pepper makes it look as good as it tastes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple tips will guarantee your creamy lemon chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the Sear: Don’t rush the browning step. That golden crust on the chicken adds immense flavor to the entire dish and helps thicken the sauce.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Since the chicken goes back into the sauce to finish cooking, remove it from the pan when it’s just browned, not fully cooked through. This keeps it tender and juicy.
• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential here. Bottled juice lacks the bright, vibrant flavor that makes this sauce sing.
• Boiling the Sauce: Once you add the cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the cream to separate or the sauce to become greasy.
• Not Tasting at the End: Always taste your sauce before serving. You might need an extra pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of Parmesan to balance the flavors perfectly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This creamy lemon chicken makes fantastic leftovers.

• Refrigerating: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze creamy lemon chicken for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly when frozen and reheated, but the flavor will still be great. Stirring well during reheating helps.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Conclusion

At the end of a busy day, there’s nothing quite like a meal that comes together easily but tastes like it was made with love. This creamy lemon chicken is exactly that. It’s a testament to how a few good ingredients, treated simply, can create something truly comforting and special. Food that feels like home.

I hope this recipe becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen, a go-to for those nights when you need something reliably delicious. If you’re looking for more creamy, comforting chicken dinners, my Creamy Tuscan Chicken is another reader-loved option. And for a different take on citrusy chicken, these Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are always a hit.

Give this creamy lemon chicken a try this week. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your creations or tell me about your favorite weeknight saves in the comments. And don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious results. Happy cooking.

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