Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Elegant and inviting, this lemon chicken recipe features tender, golden chicken breasts bathed in a lush, tangy cream sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, and bright citrus juice. Optional capers and spinach introduce a subtle brininess while creating a restaurant-quality finish that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.

I’m excited to share my Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe that always impresses, whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. I start by seasoning 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper and then dredging them in all-purpose flour before sautéing in olive oil and butter.

I then add garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a rich and tangy sauce that’s both savory and refreshing. The balance of protein, healthy fats and a hint of citrus makes this dish a satisfying meal that also packs some nutritional benefits.

I love the option to mix in capers or fresh spinach for extra flavor and color, and a sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a nice touch. Its creamy texture with a slight tang really makes the dish stand out even if it is an easy meal to make.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the chicken always comes out super crispy and nicely seared. It’s cool how the creamy lemon sauce is both tangy and rich, and it kinda makes me feel like I’m eating something fancy even though I made it at home. I also appreciate that it’s really simple to make – after all, who has time for complicated cooking when you can whip up a delicious meal in just a few steps? Lastly, the optional capers and spinach give it a neat twist that lets me flex my creativity in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: They are lean proteins that help build muscle and keep you strong.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that boosts flavor and helps your body absorb nutrients.
• Heavy cream: Gives a rich, smooth texture even though it can be a bit heavy.
• Lemon juice and zest: They add a bright, tangy twist and a burst of vitamin C goodness.
• Garlic: Provides a warm, spicy kick that really makes the dish pop in flavor.
• Capers: Offer a briny, tangy burst that enhances the overall character of the meal.
• Spinach (optional): Loaded with vitamins and fiber, it adds color and good nutrients.
• Butter: Boosts richness and gives a silky texture along with a subtle flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon (approx 3 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper then dredge each piece in the all-purpose flour.

2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam.

3. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes each side till they’re golden brown and crusty.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

5. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Stir it around for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.

6. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Stir everything together making sure to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

7. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken up a bit.

8. If you’re using capers and spinach, now is the time to add them into the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts a little.

9. Return the chicken breasts back into the pan, turning them to cover in the creamy sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for another 5 minutes so all the flavors can blend together.

10. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve your Creamy Lemon Chicken warm with your favorite side dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels – Used to pat the chicken dry before seasoning, which helps keep it crispy when cooked
2. Shallow dish – For dredging the seasoned chicken in the all-purpose flour
3. Large skillet – Essential for frying the chicken and later making the sauce in one pan
4. Tongs or spatula – To flip the chicken breasts without breaking them
5. Plate – To set the cooked chicken aside while the sauce simmers
6. Knife and cutting board – For mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh parsley
7. Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate amounts of olive oil, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream
8. Lemon zester – To get the fresh lemon zest without too much fuss
9. Whisk or sturdy stirring spoon – To mix the sauce and help scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan

FAQ

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Heavy cream: Instead of heavy cream, you can mix half and half with a little extra butter to help thicken the sauce and mimic the creaminess.
• Chicken broth: If you’re short on chicken broth, try using low-sodium vegetable broth instead, as it still gives good flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Capers: Not a fan of capers? You can swap them out for a few chopped green olives or even a touch of pickle relish to add a similar tangy bite.
• All-purpose flour: If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or a sprinkle of cornstarch to dredge the chicken.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your chicken is really dry before you dredge it in flour so you get a nice crispy crust, dont just wing it with a wet pat.
2. When you deglaze, be sure to scrape up all them brown bits at the bottom of your pan; it’s like a flavor bomb that makes the sauce so much richer.
3. Keep an eye on the garlic when you add it in next and stir it around so it doesnt burn and turn bitter.
4. If youre using spinach and capers, add them when the sauce is almost done so the spinach doesnt get mushy and you keep that punch of flavor.