5-Minute Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

Name: 5-Minute Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total), sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme); ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (more to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: lemon slices for garnish, extra herbs (like chopped parsley or basil)

by Fatima Garcia

•

29 de July de 2025

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet has become my go-to weeknight wonder, transforming humble chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of garlic, lemon, and simmering cream, and my family practically inhaled it! It’s truly an easy creamy lemon chicken skillet that tastes like pure comfort. If you’ve ever wondered how to make creamy lemon chicken skillet that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

This recipe is a true weeknight hero for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: Tender chicken bathed in a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce is simply divine.
Super Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have dinner on the table fast.
Healthy-ish Option: It’s a lighter take on creamy chicken dishes, packed with protein and bright lemon flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable chicken breasts.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will adore this comforting and flavorful meal.
Minimal Cleanup: As an one pan creamy lemon chicken dish, you’ll spend less time washing up.
Versatile: This one pan creamy lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with almost any side dish.
Satisfying Meal: It’s hearty enough to feel indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. For a perfect chicken breast skillet lemon cream experience, make sure you have everything ready:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets for even cooking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste, essential for bringing out the chicken’s flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme adds lovely aromatic notes.
½ cup all-purpose flour – this helps create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
3 cloves garlic, minced – the aromatic base of our creamy sauce, adding a pungent depth.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – used to deglaze the pan and build the sauce’s foundation.
1 cup heavy cream – the key to our luscious, creamy sauce.
Zest of 1 lemon – provides bright, aromatic citrus notes.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – for that essential tangy, refreshing lemon flavor.
Optional: lemon slices for garnish, chopped parsley or basil – for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how the flavors meld together in just one pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, let’s get the chicken ready. Take your chicken breasts and slice each one horizontally to create thinner cutlets – about four in total. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is key for getting a nice sear. Then, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and that lovely Italian seasoning blend. A light dredge in flour helps create a beautiful golden crust and thickens our sauce later, so give them a gentle coating and shake off the excess.

Searing the Chicken

Now for the magic! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the floured chicken cutlets in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – you might need to do this in batches. Sear them for about 4–5 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing like a gourmet lemon herb chicken skillet!

Crafting the Lemon Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; this is where so much flavor lives. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Combining and Finishing

Gently nestle the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Spoon that luscious lemon cream sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just enough to warm the chicken through and let the flavors meld. This final step truly makes it a perfect lemon herb chicken skillet. If you love a bright, fresh finish, you can add a little more lemon juice. For an extra touch, garnish with lemon slices and some fresh chopped parsley. This simple technique transforms it into a stunning lemon herb chicken skillet dish.

5-Minute Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet - Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

I’ve found a few tricks that make this dish truly shine. Following these simple tips will elevate your creamy lemon chicken skillet from good to absolutely amazing:

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry; it’s crucial for a beautiful golden sear.
Dredging the chicken in flour not only helps it brown but also thickens the sauce beautifully.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest whenever possible – the difference in flavor is incredible.
For the richest sauce, stick with heavy cream; half-and-half can sometimes curdle.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet?

The real secret to achieving the best creamy lemon chicken skillet recipe is the panade created by dredging the chicken in flour and the quick simmer of the sauce to thicken it without boiling. This ensures a luscious, smooth coating.

Can I make Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken by slicing, seasoning, and flouring it up to 24 hours in advance and storing it covered in the refrigerator. However, searing and making the sauce right before serving guarantees the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, making it dry. Ensure you sear it just until golden and cooked through. Another mistake is boiling the sauce, which can cause curdling. Gently simmer it instead to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

This incredibly versatile creamy lemon chicken skillet is a dream to pair with all sorts of delicious sides. I love serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up all that glorious lemon cream sauce, or alongside some al dente pasta. For a lighter, healthier meal, consider serving it with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad – these make fantastic creamy lemon chicken skillet side dishes. It’s a complete meal that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

This creamy lemon chicken skillet offers a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

Leftovers of this delicious creamy lemon chicken skillet are fantastic! Once the dish has cooled down slightly after cooking, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this dish also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should stay good for up to 3 months. Reheating this wonderful skillet lemon chicken dinner is simple. For best results, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon if the sauce seems a bit thick after storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this creamy lemon chicken skillet. They are more forgiving and stay moist even if cooked a minute or two longer. Just trim any excess fat and proceed with the recipe as usual. They add a lovely depth of flavor!

What can I serve with this creamy lemon chicken skillet?

This dish is so versatile! It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad. These sides make it a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I make this a quick creamy lemon chicken skillet?

Yes! To make this a truly quick creamy lemon chicken skillet, you can use pre-minced garlic and pre-sliced chicken cutlets if available. Also, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and ready before you start cooking. This minimizes prep time significantly.

How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it thickens. This is a great trick for any creamy sauce.

Variations of Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic creamy lemon chicken skillet, why not explore some fun twists? For a lighter option, try using chicken thighs; their richer flavor complements the lemon cream sauce beautifully, making for a delightful variation. You could also adapt this for a low-carb lifestyle by omitting the flour dredge and serving it over cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes. Another exciting change is to add a handful of capers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of briny or spicy kick. These simple adjustments can transform your beloved pan-seared lemon chicken with cream into something entirely new and exciting!