Creamy Lemon Chicken Bright, Zesty, and Comforting in Every Bite
Creamy lemon chicken is a bright, flavorful dish that pairs juicy, pan-seared chicken with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. With the perfect balance of richness and acidity, this elegant yet easy recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3/4 cup chicken broth
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3/4 cup heavy cream
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Zest of 1 lemon
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
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Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan (if using). Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme and serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes