Imagine a dish that combines the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken with a luxuriously smooth, tangy lemon sauce that will transport you straight to a charming Italian kitchen. This Creamy Lemon Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With just 30 minutes of total cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over each breast to coat evenly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, preferably with rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.
- When making the sauce, scrape up the browned bits from the pan - these contain incredible flavor that will enhance your sauce's depth.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a minced garlic clove or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the cream sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Fresh lemon juice is key - avoid bottled lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 57g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 270mg
