Name: Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken breasts (thin, approx. 1 ½ lbs.); 1/2 tsp Sea salt (to season chicken); 1/2 tsp Pepper (to season chicken); 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (to season chicken); 1 Tbsp Olive oil; 2/3 to 1 cup Chicken broth; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 Tbsp Butter; 3 oz. Cream cheese; 1/2 tsp Pepper; 1/4 cup Lemon juice; 1 Tbsp Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); 1 Tbsp Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the flavors in Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken. I remember the first time I tried it; the rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken made me feel like I was dining in a fine restaurant, yet it was so easy to prepare at home. On a busy weeknight, this dish brings a sense of elegance to the table without a hefty time commitment. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a delightful meal. I often find myself cooking this when I crave something warm and satisfying, and I love to serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. The zesty lemon brightens the dish, making it perfect for any season.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
400 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Frying Pan

The Beauty of This Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken

Flavorful Simplicity

One of the standout features of Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of the chicken and the creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Quick Weeknight Dinner

We all lead busy lives, and sometimes the last thing we want to think about is dinner. Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those hectic evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to spare.

Customizable Dish

Another reason I love this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like it a bit spicier, adding some red pepper flakes can give it that extra kick. The possibilities are endless!

Comfort Food with a Twist

This dish provides all the comfort of traditional chicken dishes but with a fresh, zesty twist thanks to the lemon. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up, and the creamy sauce will have you dreaming of warmer days.

Family Approved

I’ve made Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken countless times for my family, and it always receives rave reviews. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, and there’s rarely any leftovers. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your family to new flavors while still keeping it familiar.

Ingredients for Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken

The ingredients in Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both rich and vibrant. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which is tender and juicy. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter sauce to the zesty lemon, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

4 thin chicken breasts, approx. 1 ½ lbs.
1/2 tsp sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to season chicken, more or less as desired
1 Tbsp olive oil
2/3 to 1 cup chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp butter
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice
Chopped parsley and lemon zest, optional, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken

Making Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can master. The steps are simple, and the result is a dish that’s sure to impress. Follow along as we create this creamy delight!

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season well on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This is a crucial step to ensure the chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up thoroughly before adding any ingredients. This will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
Once the skillet is hot, add in the olive oil. Let the oil heat for a few moments until it shimmers. This indicates it’s ready for the chicken.
Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Let it cook uninterrupted for about 4 to 5 minutes. When the chicken easily pulls away from the pan, it’s ready to flip.
Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2/3 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze and incorporate the flavorful browned bits.
Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. When it starts bubbling lightly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Whisk it well to ensure it incorporates smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, add some more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Once the cream cheese has fully melted and blended into the sauce, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This step adds a fresh zestiness that elevates the dish.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, ensuring it’s well coated. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired.

Things Worth Knowing

Heat Management: Allow your pan to get really hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a golden brown sear.
Ingredient Quality: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results, as low-fat options may curdle when heated.
Chicken Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are very thin, no thicker than 1/2 inch. Thicker pieces will take longer to cook.
Storage: Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. This helps maintain moisture.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for optimal texture.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some essential tips to keep in mind. These will help elevate your cooking game and make this dish a standout!

Storage: Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container to maintain moisture. The shallow dish allows more chicken to sit in the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s stored properly in an airtight container.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer, you can cook this dish in the oven. Just bake it at 375°F until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving Size: This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful:

Over Rice: Serve the chicken with a generous helping of rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Pasta: Tossing the chicken with pasta makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Fresh Salad: Pairing it with a fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the creaminess of the dish.
On a Platter: For gatherings, serve the chicken on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Seasonal Side Dishes: This dish can be complemented with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans, enhancing the flavor profile.
Picnic Option: It can also be served cold, making it a great option for picnics or lunch boxes.

FAQ

While it’s best to use fresh chicken for Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken to achieve the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s cooked through.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the rich creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to get creative based on your preferences!

If you’re looking to lighten up Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the dish, such as spinach or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve. This can help streamline your meal prep and make dinner a breeze!

Conclusion

Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken offers a delightful blend of creamy, zesty flavors that make it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the comforting taste for yourself. Once you taste the rich sauce and tender chicken, you’ll want to make it again and again!