Zingy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Tangy Creamy Delight

Weeknight dinners demand a zesty chicken recipe that bursts with lemon garlic flavors.

This tangy creamy lemon garlic chicken delivers a mouthwatering punch of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender chicken breasts soak up a rich, velvety sauce that balances bright citrus notes with robust garlic undertones.

Each bite promises a symphony of savory and tangy elements that dance across your palate.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a go-to for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fast to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this chicken recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner that will have your taste buds singing.

Quick Recipe Overview

What Goes into That Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein star of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for tender results.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and tenderizes meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to seasoning.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates golden crispy exterior and helps thicken sauce.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface with heart-healthy benefits.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown color.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that creates deep, savory undertones.
• Chicken Broth: Builds complex liquid base with rich, meaty essence.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture to sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty tang that cuts through richness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus notes with concentrated flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle tangy kick and helps emulsify sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity to finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, green garnish with subtle herbaceous note.

Kitchen Essentials for Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce, preferably with high sides.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for broth, cream, and seasonings ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Chef’s Knife: Sharp blade for mincing garlic, zesting lemon, and chopping parsley with ease.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely and cleanly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping skillet bottom while deglazing.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken’s internal temperature reaches safe 165F/74C.

Your Go-To Guide for Cooking Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Prep the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with a thin layer of flour, tapping off any extra.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and crispy, about 34 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove chicken and set aside.

• Craft the Sauce

Toss minced garlic into the same pan, letting it become fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer briefly. Blend in heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Allow sauce to become rich and slightly thickened.

• Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce generously over each piece. Let everything mingle and warm through for a few minutes.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Scatter fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tweaks to Elevate Your Lemon Garlic Chicken Game

• Flavor Boost Technique: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Sauce Saving Hack: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of additional chicken broth or white wine to maintain perfect consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the skillet before serving to preserve the creamy texture.
• Dietary Swap Options: For a low-carb version, replace flour with almond flour or skip dredging entirely. Lactose-free friends can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or dairy-free cream alternatives.
• Protein Rotation: Experiment with different proteins like turkey cutlets, pork tenderloin, or firm white fish to create exciting variations of this classic recipe while maintaining the delicious lemon garlic sauce profile.

Presenting Your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Flair

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop some fresh parsley, thyme, or basil to add a bright, aromatic touch right before serving, enhancing the dish’s vibrant flavors and adding a beautiful green color.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the lemony sauce and cuts through the creamy richness perfectly.
• Elegant Side Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light orzo salad to create a complete meal that balances the chicken’s creamy texture and zesty flavor profile.
• Leftover Transformation: Slice the chicken and toss into a fresh green salad or stuff into a wrap with some crisp lettuce and extra sauce for a delicious next-day lunch option.

Keep It Fresh: Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Quick Reheating Tip: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Microwave as a last resort, covering the dish to prevent moisture loss.
• Freezing Method: Freeze chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare extra chicken breasts during cooking and slice them for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. Separate sauce and chicken to maintain optimal texture when repurposing leftovers.

Tangy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon garlic chicken delivers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal with zesty flavors. Succulent chicken breasts simmer in a rich, tangy sauce that promises comfort and satisfaction for home cooks seeking simple elegance.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then delicately coat with a whisper-thin layer of flour, ensuring even coverage while shaking off excess.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium flame, creating a golden landscape for chicken transformation. Strategically place floured chicken, developing a rich amber crust until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature of 165F/74C, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Flavor Building: Remove chicken and reserve. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, capturing every caramelized morsel from the skillet’s surface.
4. Sauce Creation: Blend heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and complementary seasonings into the simmering liquid. Allow sauce to gracefully reduce and thicken, stirring intermittently to maintain silky consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce chicken into the luxurious lemon garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a decadent finish and garnish with finely chopped parsley, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish ready to be served immediately.

Notes

• Perfectly Coat Chicken: Use a light, even flour dusting to create a crispy, golden exterior without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without burning the chicken or coating.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Reduce sauce slowly and stir frequently to develop a luxurious, smooth texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for lighter versions, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg