Introduction:
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, tangy lemon and herb cream sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish is light, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of sides. The fresh herbs and zesty lemon bring brightness to every bite, while the cream adds a luxurious texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light and flavorful: The perfect balance of creamy richness and zesty lemon.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile: Works well with chicken thighs, breasts, or even over pasta or rice.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Herb Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve the chicken with the creamy lemon herb sauce poured over the top. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce.
- Zest First: Zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier to work with.
Recipe Variations:
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
- Herb Mix: Swap in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Garlic Lemon: Add more garlic to the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce if necessary.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet: Use a large skillet with a lid to cook the chicken and make the sauce.
- Zester: A fine grater or zester is ideal for getting the zest from the lemon.
FAQ:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and add more richness to the dish.
- Can I use milk instead of cream? You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and thick compared to using heavy cream.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken.
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes for making the sauce and finishing the dish.
Total Time:
- 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Herb Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve the chicken with the creamy lemon herb sauce poured over the top. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 34g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your beautiful chicken dishes. Check back soon for more flavorful and easy-to-make recipes!
