One-Pan Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet
Make this restaurant-style creamy lemon chicken in just 30 minutes using one pan. This easy lemon chicken dinner features juicy chicken breasts in a zesty, bright lemon cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic cream sauce over them. Let the chicken warm through for 1 minute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve this zesty chicken dinner immediately over pasta, rice, or with vegetables.
Notes
- For an even brighter lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the cream mixture simmer uncovered for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the Parmesan.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 160