One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Introduction

One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines ease with indulgence. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection in a hot skillet, then drenched in a rich, velvety lemon garlic cream sauce that adds a burst of citrusy brightness and savory depth. The creamy sauce, with its buttery richness and tangy lemon flavor, perfectly complements the succulent chicken, making it a satisfying and comforting dish that’s impressive enough for guests.

The first time I made this dish, I was amazed by how quickly it came together and how incredible it tasted. The simple process of searing the chicken and creating the sauce felt like a breeze, and the aroma of garlic, butter, and lemon as it simmered on the stove was irresistible. By the time it was ready to serve, I couldn’t wait to dig in.

What I love most about One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is how versatile it is. It pairs beautifully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a complete meal. You can also customize it by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for special occasions, this dish always delivers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Date nights
Special occasions
Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce will become your go-to dinner:

One-Skillet Wonder: The entire dish is made in one pan, saving you time on cleanup.
Creamy and Flavorful Sauce: The garlic cream sauce is rich and comforting, with a bright lemon kick that perfectly complements the chicken.
Tender Chicken: The chicken stays moist and juicy thanks to the quick sear and flavorful sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Impress Your Guests: This dish is fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for everyday cooking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them the perfect protein for this dish.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Lemon: Provides a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and umami to the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Season the Sauce: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Butter: Stir in the butter until melted, creating a rich, smooth sauce.

Finish the Dish:

Return the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with fresh thyme and parsley before serving.

How to Serve

With Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
With Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded dinner.
With Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a creamy, satisfying dish.
As a Main Course: Serve the chicken alongside a simple green salad for a light, fresh meal.
For Special Occasions: Plate the chicken with a side of garlic bread and a glass of white wine for an elegant dinner.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown.
Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the brightest, most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
Add More Flavor: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle with additional fresh herbs.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when sautéing the garlic for a rich, earthy flavor.
Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Caprese Chicken: Add fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, then broil the chicken for a Caprese-inspired twist.
Herb-Infused Chicken: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to infuse the sauce with aromatic herbs.
Chicken Piccata: Add capers to the sauce for a tangy, briny flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, savory twist.
Lemon Butter Chicken: Use lemon juice and butter instead of cream for a lighter, tangier sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Wrap the chicken in bacon before searing it for a smoky, indulgent variation.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken: Stir in sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts for a creamy, Mediterranean twist.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with Parmesan cheese before searing them for an extra crispy crust.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze, cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Special Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for even heat distribution and great for searing the chicken before simmering the sauce.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garlic Press: For easily crushing garlic and releasing more flavor into the sauce.
Lemon Zester: For adding fresh lemon zest into the sauce, which intensifies the citrus flavor.
Whisk: Helps combine the cream and other sauce ingredients smoothly for a silky texture.
Tongs: To handle the chicken without piercing it and losing juices while browning or flipping.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce without damaging the skillet or promoting sticking.
Lemon Juicer: Extracts fresh lemon juice easily and efficiently, preventing seeds from getting into your sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately portioning your ingredients like cream, broth, and lemon juice.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken into pieces or slicing it once it’s cooked.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great in this dish and add extra juiciness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish without butter?
Yes, you can skip the butter, but it adds a nice richness to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer or stir in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

Conclusion

One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With tender, seared chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for any weeknight meal. Whether paired with rice, vegetables, or pasta, it’s a versatile and satisfying option that will quickly become a family favorite.

Easy to make and full of delicious, vibrant flavors, this dish is a great choice for busy nights when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours of preparation. The zesty lemon and savory garlic bring an irresistible depth to the creamy sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

I can’t wait to see how you put your spin on this One-Skillet Chicken! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite sides in the comments. Happy cooking!