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Quick and Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

Three golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy lemon sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

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Make this restaurant-style creamy lemon chicken in just 30 minutes using one skillet. You get juicy chicken breasts coated in a bright, zesty, and rich garlic cream sauce perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 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

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  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 for 1 minute.
  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 slightly thickened. 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.
  8. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese.
  • This dish pairs well with cooked linguine or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.

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