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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season comprehensively with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium and melt butter. Introduce finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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