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Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken combines tender boneless chicken breasts with a luscious, velvety cream sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. This one-pan dish delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus, savory garlic, and fragrant thyme, parsley, and rosemary, making it an elegant yet easy meal that’s comforting, refreshing, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquids

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken absorb flavors and ensures a nice crisp when cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest while you make the sauce.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.
  4. Add Cream and Herbs: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Let the sauce gently thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling.
  5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well with the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

Notes

  • Let chicken reach room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
  • Do not skip searing; browning enhances flavor significantly.
  • Adjust lemon juice to balance acidity according to taste.
  • Use fresh herbs rather than dried for optimal aroma and flavor.
  • If sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Nutrition

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