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Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 98 reviews

This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious lemon cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh lemon juice, this dish delivers a bright, comforting flavor that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken.
  2. Season and dredge: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with about ¼ teaspoon each of kosher salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herb seasoning. Dredge each cutlet in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Create the sauce: In the same skillet (do not clean), melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Taste the mixture and add the second tablespoon of lemon juice if desired. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
  5. Finish the sauce and combine: Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the sauce is evenly combined. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them, and simmer for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately, enjoying the bright and creamy flavors.

Notes

  • For an even richer sauce, add a splash of white wine before adding chicken broth.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
  • Ensure the chicken is evenly pounded to prevent uneven cooking or dryness.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a small amount of chicken broth or water.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Lemon Cream Sauce, Chicken Cutlets, Weeknight Dinner