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To create a delicious creamy lemon garlic chicken, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon) - Zest of 1 medium lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in building the rich flavors of this dish. The chicken breasts form the base, while the garlic adds depth and aroma. Heavy cream creates the creamy texture, and chicken broth gives it body. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a bright, zesty flavor, making the dish refreshing. Thyme and smoked paprika enhance the taste profile, while salt and pepper round out the seasoning. Lastly, the parsley adds a touch of color and freshness when serving. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, season both sides of each chicken breast. Use salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece is covered well. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This time helps the flavors mix and soak in. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear one side for 6-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden crust. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. This keeps it warm while you make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Slowly pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Once the broth is mixed in well, add 1 cup of chilled heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 medium lemon. Stir everything together to ensure a smooth mixture. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This thickness shows you’re almost ready. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they are fully submerged in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This final simmer warms the chicken and allows the flavors to blend. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. - Ingredient substitutions for varied taste: You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter touch. Greek yogurt adds tanginess if you want a creamy sauce. - Additional herbs that pair well: Fresh basil or dill can boost the flavor. Try adding rosemary for a woodsy taste. - Alternative cooking methods: You can bake the chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. This keeps it moist while allowing the flavors to meld. - How to achieve a perfect sear: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps to get a nice golden crust. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. - Plating ideas for visual appeal: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside colorful roasted veggies. This adds beauty and makes the meal more filling. - Garnish options for elegance: Fresh parsley adds color. Lemon slices or zest can brighten the dish and enhance the lemon flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. The brightness of fresh citrus elevates the dish significantly. Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, let it simmer a bit longer or mix in a cornstarch slurry for a quicker fix. Garnish for Flavor and Color: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip this step! {{image_4}} You can easily add greens to this dish. Spinach works great here. Just toss in about two cups of fresh spinach. Add it to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it wilts nicely and adds color. You might need a minute more of cooking time. Keep a close eye on the sauce so it doesn’t overcook. Want some heat? You can spice up your chicken easily. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. A teaspoon of either will do. This adds a kick without hiding the lemon flavor. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the spice to your liking for a balanced flavor. Using mixed herbs gives this dish a fresh twist. Try adding rosemary, basil, or oregano. A teaspoon of each should enhance the dish. Adjust the amount of thyme you use to keep the balance. This variation brings a garden-fresh taste to your creamy lemon garlic chicken. It’s perfect for herb lovers! To keep your creamy lemon garlic chicken fresh, cool it quickly. Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may fade. When reheating, aim to keep the chicken moist. The stovetop works best for this. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it rehydrate. Stir gently to warm evenly. Microwaving is faster but can dry it out. If you use a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. If you want to save it longer, freeze the chicken. Use an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave on the defrost setting for quick thawing. You can use other dairy options like: - Whole milk - Half-and-half - Sour cream For non-dairy substitutes, try: - Coconut cream - Cashew cream - Silken tofu blended These options will change the taste and texture slightly. Adjust your seasonings to match your choice! Yes, chicken thighs work well. They have more fat and can be juicier. - Cooking time may differ by about 5 minutes. - Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Adjust your cooking time based on thickness for best results. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. - It should reach 165°F (75°C). Look for these signs: - Juices run clear. - The meat is no longer pink inside. These tips ensure safe and delicious chicken. Yes, you can meal prep this dish. - Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool. - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating: - Warm on the stovetop over low heat. - Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. This way, you’ll enjoy a quick and tasty meal later! To sum up, we explored a delicious creamy lemon garlic chicken recipe. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Variations give you fun options while storage info ensures your dish stays fresh. You now have the tools to create and enjoy this meal. Cooking can be simple and fun with the right guidance. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family or friends!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Delight

A deliciously creamy chicken dish infused with lemon and garlic flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 medium lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coverage. Set aside for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear for 6-7 minutes on one side, allowing a nice golden crust to develop. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the leftover drippings in the skillet, sautéing it for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, but be mindful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.
  • Combine Liquids: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Once the broth is well mixed, pour in the chilled heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir all the ingredients together until fully combined.
  • Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Finish the Dish: Carefully return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and infuse the chicken with the sauce’s flavors.
  • Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if desired. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with a sprinkling of fresh, finely chopped parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, lemon