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Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect 30-minute meal ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place them between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderizing.
  2. Season and Dredge: Season both sides of each cutlet with approximately ¼ teaspoon each of kosher salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herb seasoning. Dredge the seasoned chicken in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light coating.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove them from the pan and set aside.
  4. Make Sauce: Without cleaning the skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Taste and add the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice if desired. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then stir in the heavy cream along with salt and pepper to your liking until the sauce is well combined.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet with the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy lemon chicken garnished with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for a refreshing finish. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy dish alongside your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • For best results, pound the chicken evenly to ensure all pieces cook uniformly.
  • Adjust lemon juice to your taste preference for more or less tartness in the sauce.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness, but the sauce will be less creamy.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.