If you’re on the hunt for a dish that balances bright, vibrant flavors with creamy indulgence, you absolutely must try this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and tender chicken that cooks up in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers an irresistible experience that feels both comforting and fresh. The creamy lemon sauce is the star here, bringing a lovely tang and silkiness that hugs the juicy chicken like it was made just for it. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of wholesome ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed meal. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding richness, freshness, or that perfect hint of herbal undertone.
- Chicken breasts or cutlets: Using boneless skinless chicken ensures quick cooking and tender bites every time.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, draws out the natural flavors of the chicken perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices layer in savory notes that enhance the garlic flavor without overwhelming it.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthiness and classic herbaceous touch.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken, infusing it with a mild fruitiness and crisp outside.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and richness, balancing out the lemon’s acidity beautifully.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for that bold, aromatic punch that’s indispensable here.
- Heavy cream and milk: Together, they create a luscious, velvety sauce with just the right thickness.
- Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: The heart of the recipe that brings vibrant brightness and zing.
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley: Optional, but perfect for garnish to add color and a splash of fresh flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel — this step helps you get a nice sear later. If you’re working with full chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets so they cook evenly and quickly. Then, season both sides generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. These seasoning basics build a delicious flavor foundation that’s crucial for our Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then place the chicken cutlets in the pan. Cook each side for about 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through — you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F or until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. This searing step locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust that contrasts the silky sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet, letting it melt slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and lightly browned — be careful not to burn it! Then pour in the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly and scraping the flavorful brown bits from the pan. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes, developing a rich, creamy texture that’s brightened up with fresh lemony notes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, turning each piece in the luscious sauce to coat thoroughly. Warm the chicken through for about a minute per side so that every bite is infused with that dreamy lemon garlic cream sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top when plating. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices if you like that fresh pop of color and citrus aroma. This final step brings everything together, making for a visually appealing and mouthwatering meal you’ll be proud to serve.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
While the Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe shines on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a delightful burst of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Lemon slices are also a lovely garnish option, providing a cheerful visual cue to the tartness in the sauce and allowing guests to add extra lemony zing if they wish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides that won’t overshadow the chicken’s vibrant flavor. Think creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every precious drop of that lemon garlic sauce. For a fresh contrast, steamed green beans or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette work perfectly to balance out the richness and leave your meal feeling complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by plating the chicken atop a bed of sautéed baby spinach or roasted vegetables. For a casual dinner, serve family-style with lemon wedges on the side for extra customization. If you’re in the mood to impress, drizzle some sauce in elegant swooshes on the plate and add edible flowers or microgreens for that stunning, restaurant-quality look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. When stored properly, it’s an easy option for a quick lunch or second dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together, but be sure to cool it completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture stays tender and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce to keep it creamy and smooth. Avoid high heat as it might cause the cream sauce to separate. A splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s luscious texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and bring a richer flavor, though they’ll require a slightly longer cooking time. Just make sure to adjust accordingly so they cook through without drying out.
Is it necessary to use both heavy cream and milk in the sauce?
Using a combination of heavy cream and milk strikes a perfect balance between richness and lightness. The cream gives body while the milk lightens the sauce so it’s not too heavy – but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting butter with olive oil and using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though this will change the flavor profile slightly. The lemon and garlic will still shine through brilliantly.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water. Just add a little at a time so it doesn’t get too thick.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t skip the step of thinning the chicken into cutlets for even cooking, and be careful not to overcook it. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F inside is a foolproof way to keep it juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in sunshine. With its effortless preparation and layers of bright, comforting flavors, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — once you do, it might just become the dinner you crave time and time again.
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked in a rich and creamy lemon garlic sauce. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared, the chicken is coated in a luscious sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and fresh lemon juice, creating a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (about 1 pound, organic if possible)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. If using whole breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. If you already have cutlets, skip the slicing step. Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F or the center should no longer be pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until lightly browned and aromatic. Pour in the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the pan, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat in the sauce and warm through for about 1 minute per side. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use only milk, but sauce may be less creamy.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- If lemon zest or juice isn’t available fresh, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute, although fresh is preferred for brightness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
