The Creamiest Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy lemon garlic skillet chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that refines ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Rich, velvety sauces complement tender meat in ways that spark immediate hunger and anticipation.

Sophisticated yet uncomplimentary techniques blend tangy citrus notes with robust herb undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Sophisticated home cooks understand the magic of one-pan meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing taste sensations.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease, promising restaurant-quality results without complex preparation methods.

Kitchen novices and seasoned chefs alike can master this elegant dish that feels simultaneously comforting and refined.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of zesty brightness and smooth, luxurious texture.

Delicious Reasons to Make Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Savor Quick Gourmet Satisfaction: This skillet chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Indulge in Creamy Texture Delight: The silky sauce created by half-and-half and broth creates a luxurious coating that perfectly complements the golden-seared chicken, offering a rich and velvety eating experience.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: By using basic searing and simmering methods, even novice cooks can achieve professional-looking results with crispy chicken and a smooth, flavorful sauce that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
• Enjoy Bright Lemon Freshness: The addition of fresh lemon juice and zesty lemon slices transforms the dish with a vibrant, tangy kick that cuts through the richness, making each bite refreshing and balanced.

Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless protein that serves as the main star of the dish, preferring even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden sear on chicken and provides rich, smooth base for the sauce with deep flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances the chicken's natural taste and adds depth to the overall dish.
• Shallot, Garlic: Provides aromatic foundation with sweet and pungent undertones that complement the chicken.

• Half-and-Half or Milk, Chicken Broth: Creates silky, creamy sauce with balanced liquid consistency and rich flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce and helps create smooth, velvety texture without lumps.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Slices: Adds fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal garnish with vibrant green color and light flavor.

How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper across all surfaces.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• First side: 6-7 minutes
• Flip side: 6-7 minutes

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Shallots
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir occasionally and cook until ingredients start to soften, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the ingredients. Stir to coat evenly and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Half-and-half or milk
• Chicken broth

Stir until smooth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

• Sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon
• Chicken is fully cooked (3-4 minutes)

Stir in fresh lemon juice.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Top with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Smart Tips for Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Pat Chicken Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
• Sear with Patience: Allow chicken to develop a deep brown crust without moving it, creating a rich caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish.
• Control Heat Carefully: Adjust stove temperature to prevent burning, maintaining a consistent medium-high heat for even cooking and perfect sauce consistency.
• Prevent Flour Lumps: Stir flour thoroughly into shallots and garlic, coating evenly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce base.
• Serve Immediately: Plate the chicken right after adding lemon juice to capture the sauce's optimal creaminess and bright, fresh flavor profile.

Reheat and Store Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Foods to Serve with Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the tangy lemon and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Green vegetables with subtle char enhance the chicken's garlic and lemon flavors, adding a fresh, earthy dimension to the meal.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest creates a perfect base that absorbs the creamy sauce while providing additional texture.
• Select Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, rustic bread becomes an ideal vehicle for soaking up the delicious lemon garlic sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

Different Styles of Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Herbal Mediterranean Style: Swap shallots with chopped red onions and add fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Use white wine instead of broth for deeper Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace regular seasoning with Cajun spice blend. Include diced bell peppers and cayenne pepper for extra heat. Add smoked paprika to enhance the sauce's complexity.
• Creamy Mushroom Fusion: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with garlic before adding flour. Incorporate a splash of heavy cream for richer texture. Sprinkle fresh chives on top for added freshness.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock. Add turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits and extra golden color.

Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon garlic skillet chicken delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort on one pan. Quick and creamy sauce elevates tender chicken, making dinner delightful for you in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 907 grams/2 pounds total), pounded to 1.3 centimeters/0.5-inch thickness

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 45 milliliters/3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 small lemon, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season comprehensively with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil until it develops a glossy sheen. Carefully place chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
3. Reduce skillet temperature to medium and melt butter. Introduce finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, gently coating and stirring to eliminate any dry patches. Toast the flour mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour half-and-half and broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Scrape accumulated browned bits from the pan’s bottom to enhance sauce depth.
6. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to cook through while the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
7. Finish the sauce by drizzling fresh lemon juice, creating a bright, tangy profile. Garnish with chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices before serving immediately.

Notes

• Perfectly dry chicken ensures a golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor and creates a delicious crispy exterior.
• Searing chicken in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing each piece to develop a deep, rich caramelized crust without steaming.
• Use fresh garlic and shallots for a more vibrant and aromatic sauce that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Scraping browned bits from the pan builds layers of complex flavor, transforming a simple sauce into a restaurant-quality experience.
• Let the sauce simmer and thicken naturally to achieve the ideal creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley to brighten the dish, adding a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg