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To make creamy lemon garlic chicken, you need a few key items. Gather these main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients create the heart of the dish. The chicken gives protein, while the cream adds richness. To elevate the flavor, add these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste These spices make the dish more delicious. Thyme adds an earthy note, and paprika gives a warm color. For a lovely finish, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped Garnishing with parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It makes the dish look pretty on the plate. You can also add lemon slices for extra zing. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. This adds flavor and color. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the spices stick better. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer if you have one. It should read 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to lift the browned bits. This adds depth to the sauce. Next, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything well to combine. Stir in the dried thyme and let the sauce simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Coat it well with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. To get juicy chicken, start with even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. I recommend using a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside and makes it tender. Fresh herbs add bright flavors to your dish. I suggest using parsley for garnish. It gives a nice color and taste. You can also try adding fresh thyme or basil to the sauce. Chop them finely and stir them in at the end. This adds freshness and makes the dish more aromatic. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream. Stir well to mix. If it is too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it reduce and thicken naturally. Keep tasting along the way to make sure it’s just right! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, consider using fresh thyme instead of dried. It enhances the flavor profile of the dish significantly. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to achieve your desired consistency. Lemon Zest Boost: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds a vibrant citrus flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition by adding vegetables. Think about spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Add them to the skillet after you cook the garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the chicken broth and cream. This way, the veggies soak up the sauce and add color. They also make the meal more filling. If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. You can use shrimp or pork instead of chicken. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink, then remove them before making the sauce. For pork, use boneless chops and adjust the cooking time. Both options will pair well with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free. Most broth brands offer gluten-free options. You can also use cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of flour. Simply mix a little cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce. This keeps the dish creamy without any gluten. To keep creamy lemon garlic chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe and tasty for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. You can freeze creamy lemon garlic chicken if you want to save it for later. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use freezer bags for a better fit, removing as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for about three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. If using a stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help keep the sauce creamy. Enjoy every bite! Creamy lemon garlic chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some great choices: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Roasted asparagus - Simple green salad Each side adds a nice balance to the meal. You can mix and match based on your taste. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce, then let them cool. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a skillet. This saves you time during busy days. To make a lighter version, use these simple swaps: - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini to the sauce. These changes keep the taste while cutting down on calories. Enjoy a lighter meal without losing flavor! In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy lemon garlic chicken. We discussed the main ingredients, seasoning options, and garnishes for a delicious meal. I guided you through each step, from preparing the chicken to creating the sauce. You learned tips for perfect cooking and delicious flavor, plus variations like adding vegetables. Lastly, you found helpful storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. With these tips, you can make this dish great every time! Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with a zesty lemon and garlic flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 piece zest of lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
  • Stir in the dried thyme and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with rice or pasta to soak up the sauce.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, lemon