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30-Minute Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a seared chicken breast covered in rich, creamy lemon chicken sauce and fresh parsley.

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Make restaurant-quality creamy lemon chicken fast. This one-pan skillet dish features tender chicken breasts in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce, ready for your weeknight dinner in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 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 (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 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 it aside on a plate.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken. Let it warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the broth reduce longer before adding the cream.
  • This dish pairs well with cooked linguine or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.

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