One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: A Cozy Meal for Every Occasion
There’s an unmistakable joy that fills the kitchen as the aromas of garlic and lemon dance together on the stove. It’s a scent that pulls you in, wrapping you in warmth and anticipation. Today, I’m eager to share a recipe that has become a staple in my home—a dish I like to call One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. It’s the kind of cozy meal that brings comfort after a long day, yet feels special enough to serve at a holiday gathering.
Imagine sitting down at your table, the golden-brown chicken basking in a rich, creamy sauce that speaks of buttery goodness and zesty brightness. This recipe is not just about flavors; it’s an experience, bringing people together over a shared love for wonderful food.
Why This Recipe Works
Let me share why this One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a beloved choice for so many occasions:
- Easy Prep: With everything cooking in one skillet, the cleanup is a breeze—perfect for weeknights when you’re longing for a quick dinner.
- Satisfying Flavors: The interplay of lemony brightness and rich cream creates a comforting explosion of taste, making it a family-friendly recipe.
- Versatile Meal: Whether paired with pasta, rice, or fresh greens, this dish adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
- Celebratory Dish: It’s elegant enough to serve at special gatherings, yet simple enough for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
To whip up this decadent yet uncomplicated dish, you’ll need the following:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (substitute thighs for a juicier option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp here!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (swap with vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a lighter version, use half-and-half or almond milk)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (feel free to add herbs like thyme or basil for variation)
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is genuinely a quick recipe that allows you to savor the moment without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make It
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Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You want each bite to burst with flavor.
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Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. As the oil warms, you’ll appreciate that satisfying sizzle—it means you’re on the right track!
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Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side until cooked through (about another 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Sauté the Garlic: Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
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Create the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, using it to deglaze the pan and scrape up all those flavorful brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened—your kitchen will smell like heaven!
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Return the Chicken: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to soak in the creamy sauce for a minute while you prepare to serve.
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Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it warm, and watch as everyone rushes to the table!
Tips and Variations
- For an extra indulgent twist, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce while it simmers.
- Want to incorporate some veggies? Toss in a handful of spinach or arugula towards the end for vibrant color and additional nutrients.
- Feeling adventurous? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful heat to the sauce.
Serving Ideas
Picture this: Your family gathered around the dinner table, laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses, as you serve this One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce over a fluffy bed of garlic mashed potatoes. Maybe there’s a side salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, echoing the dish’s citrus notes. This is truly a meal that transforms any ordinary evening into a celebration of flavors and connections.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Leftovers can be a gift when dealing with this delicious dish! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to maintain the sauce’s luscious texture. You can also freeze the chicken in portions; just be aware that the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
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Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute for ultimate tenderness.
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Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, experiment with reducing the amount of cream and replacing it with additional chicken broth.
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Flavor Development: This dish is even better the next day, letting the flavors meld together overnight!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- What side dishes go well with this recipe? Consider serving it with a light couscous salad or sautéed green beans drizzled with lemon.
- Is it suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully for a quick and easy lunch.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this lovely culinary journey of One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, I hope you feel inspired to bring this dish into your home. The warmth it offers and the joy it brings to the table are truly special. Whether it becomes a part of your weekly dinner rotation or a dish you serve at your family gatherings, it’s certain to gather smiles and happy tummies. Try it, share it, and let it be a part of your cherished traditions! Enjoy cooking and savoring each delightful bite.
Contents
One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Substitute thighs for a juicier option
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Don't skimp here!
- 1 cup chicken broth Swap with vegetable broth for a lighter option
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half or almond milk
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped Feel free to add herbs like thyme or basil for variation
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side until cooked through (about another 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and scrape up all the flavorful brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to soak in the creamy sauce for a minute while you prepare to serve.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.