Why make this recipe
One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a rich garlic cream sauce—all cooked in one skillet! This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, as it is not only quick and easy to prepare but also results in a comforting meal that everyone will love. The lemon and garlic flavors brighten the dish, making it a refreshing option that pairs well with many side dishes. Plus, the one-skillet method means less cleanup for you, which is always a bonus!
How to make One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup finely diced shallots (or red onions)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
- Prepared broccolini, for serving
Directions
- Using a mallet, pound down the chicken breasts/thighs into ½ inch thickness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
- In a 2 cup measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and allow it to brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked thoroughly; we’ll finish it in the oven. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the flame to medium, and add the shallots to the skillet along with the chicken broth mixture. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan so all the brown bits are loosened. Kick the heat back up to medium-high and let the sauce come to a simmer. Continue to cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes or until about ⅓ cup of the sauce remains.
- When the sauce has thickened, remove from the flame, add the butter and whisk until it melts completely. With the skillet off the flame, add the heavy cream, whisk to combine. Place the skillet back over the flame for just 30 seconds, DO NOT allow the sauce to boil. Remove from heat, add the chicken back into the pan and drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Place the skillet in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm with additional lemon slices. Serve with prepared rice, pasta, or sautéed veggies on the side.
How to serve One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
To serve this dish, place the chicken on a plate and pour the delicious lemon garlic cream sauce over it. Add a side of prepared broccolini, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. You can also garnish with extra parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, providing a delightful balance of flavors.
How to store One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can be enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner during the week!
Tips to make One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks through at the same rate.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- For a more intense flavor, let the sauce simmer longer until it thickens even more.
- Consider replacing parsley or basil with your favorite herbs for a personal twist.
Variation
You can customize this recipe with different proteins like shrimp or pork, or even add vegetables like spinach or asparagus for more color and nutrition. Another option is to use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before preparing.
2. What can I serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Conclusion
This recipe for One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. If you want to explore more delicious variations, check out One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. Enjoy your cooking!
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One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy one-skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a zesty lemon garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup finely diced shallots (or red onions)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
- Prepared broccolini, for serving
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts/thighs to ½ inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a measuring cup.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and sauté shallots with the broth mixture, scraping the pan for brown bits.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Add butter and whisk until melted, then incorporate heavy cream.
- Return chicken to the skillet, drizzle sauce over it, and place in the oven for 5-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve warm topped with herbs and lemon slices.
Notes
Ensure chicken is evenly pounded for even cooking. Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, lemon, garlic, one skillet, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, savory dish