If you’re craving a dish that’s at once bright, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero and dinner party ace. Golden, juicy chicken gets bathed in a silky lemon-infused cream sauce that’s fragrant with garlic and a whisper of Parmesan. It’s a quick meal that feels special, yet is effortless enough to whip up anytime you want something luscious and memorable. You’ll want to save your spoon for every last drop of this irresistibly zesty sauce!

Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe keeps it refreshingly simple — just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a key role in creating layers of flavor and irresistible texture. From the richness of cream to the zing of lemon, every element in this dish brings its own magic.

Chicken breasts: Thin-sliced or pounded for quick, even cooking and juicy results every time.
Salt: Unlocks the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the whole dish.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and earthy warmth to complement the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Perfect for coating the chicken so it gets that lovely golden crust (sub with gluten-free flour if needed).
Olive oil: Gives you that golden sear and a hint of fruitiness — so essential for flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra depth.
Garlic: An aromatic anchor to the sauce, bringing the perfect punch of flavor.
Chicken broth: Lifts the sauce, deglazing the skillet and intensifying those savory notes.
Heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce — thick, luxurious, and so satisfying.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives the sauce its signature tang and brightness.
Lemon zest: Packs even more citrusy aroma for extra vibrance, both in taste and scent.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle touch of heat that wakes up your palate.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts seamlessly into the sauce for that irresistible umami hit.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of color and herby freshness.

How to Make Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by laying out your chicken breasts and either slice them horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness, about half an inch. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then give them a light dusting of flour. Shaking off any excess flour is key — you want a thin, delicate coating that seals in moisture and turns crisply golden when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers and the butter melts, lay in the chicken pieces. Cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes per side, letting them get beautifully golden while the inside stays tender and juicy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil — you want those flavors to settle in while you finish the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add your remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This step is all about waking up the garlic — you’re looking for fragrance, not browning, to keep the sauce sweet and mellow.

Step 4: Build the Lemon Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and collect all those savory browned bits from the bottom. Add in the lemon juice, zest, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using. Let it all simmer for 2–3 minutes — you’ll notice the sauce reducing a bit and concentrating those sunny, tangy flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to bubble gently and thicken for another 2–3 minutes. Watch as it transforms into a silk-smooth blanket bursting with citrus and umami. If you prefer your sauce a little thicker, just let it go another minute or two.

Step 6: Return the Chicken and Serve

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer for an extra minute or two, just until the chicken is warmed through and perfectly coated. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving warm — you’ll want to dive in straight from the skillet!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley right before serving gives a pop of green that makes the whole dish look irresistible. For even more zing, try adding some extra lemon zest or a dusting of Parmesan over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few capers or thin lemon slices make beautiful (and delicious) finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Try tender ribbons of fettuccine, fluffy white rice, or simple roasted potatoes to soak up that dreamy sauce. For a fresher touch, serve alongside crisp, steamed asparagus or a bright arugula salad — both complement the lemony freshness of the main dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern bistro feel, slice the chicken and fan it out over your chosen starch, then spoon the sauce artistically on top. Hosting a dinner party? Serve in shallow bowls atop creamy parmesan risotto, garnished with microgreens and lemon wheels. Or make weeknight magic by tucking the chicken into toasted buns for decadent lemon cream chicken sandwiches, complete with extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck any leftover Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making tomorrow’s meal even more enticing!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the chicken and sauce cool completely first. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but a gentle whisk and reheating will bring it back to its original glory.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too; just cover loosely and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything nice and creamy without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully — they’ll stay extra juicy and soak up the sauce just as well. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time, depending on thickness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half or even a full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream. Greek yogurt also works, but be sure to add it off heat so it doesn’t curdle.

Is the sauce meant to be thick or pourable?

The sauce for Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe is designed to be silky and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable. It will naturally thicken a little as it cools, so if you like it thinner, simply add a splash more broth.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else in this Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a fine microplane or zester, and be sure to only take the bright yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest gives maximum aroma and flavor to your sauce!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine or impress someone special, the Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe is the answer. It’s rich and refreshing, with a zippy sauce that elevates everyday chicken to pure comfort food bliss. Go ahead and treat yourself — once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and tangy flavors of Lemon Cream Chicken for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to make. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally or pounded thin)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Cook Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add broth, lemon juice, zest, and spices. Stir in cream and cheese.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer until heated.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!