Zesty Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken Recipe: Creamy Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this lemon garlic skillet chicken delivers pure magic in under 30 minutes.

Zesty citrus notes dance with rich, velvety garlic sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that instantly wakes up tired taste buds.

Tender chicken breasts soak up every drop of the incredible sauce, turning an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The skillet method ensures a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and succulent.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a weeknight warrior for busy cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Serve this skillet sensation over rice or with a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal that’ll become your new dinner favorite.

Kitchen Tools for Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• 10-inch or larger skillet: Essential for searing and creating the creamy sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and moving it between the pan and plate.
• Paper towels: Crucial for thoroughly drying the chicken before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and flour.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring shallots, garlic, and sauce.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping parsley and slicing lemons.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Sauce

• Chicken Preparation

Pat chicken completely dry and add generous seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Searing Stage

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until deep golden brown on both sides, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.

• Flavor Foundation

Lower heat and melt butter. Sauté shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and slightly soft. Sprinkle flour and coat ingredients evenly, creating a base for a rich sauce.

• Sauce Creation

Pour half-and-half and broth into the skillet, whisking to eliminate any flour lumps. Scrape up delicious browned bits from pan bottom. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken naturally.

• Final Touch

Return chicken to the skillet, letting it gently cook in the creamy sauce. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices. Serve immediately while sauce is warm and silky.

Adjustments to Enhance Flavor

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra richness or use turkey cutlets for a leaner option. Bone-in chicken works wonderfully too, just increase cooking time slightly.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the sauce's complexity. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can introduce subtle herbaceous notes during simmering.
• Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain sauce thickness. Use tamari instead of traditional flour for a seamless conversion.
• Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for extra tanginess. Heavy cream works perfectly for an even richer sauce texture.
• Transform remaining chicken into a delightful salad by shredding and mixing with fresh greens. Store sauce separately to prevent chicken from becoming soggy and maintain optimal texture.

Serving This Chicken Skillet Dish

• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this skillet chicken on a large rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley, creating a stunning centerpiece.
• Family Comfort Meal: Pair the creamy chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
• Health-Conscious Side: Complement the dish with a light arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon, or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a balanced nutritious meal.
• Quick Weeknight Romance: Set a cozy dinner table with soft candlelight, add a crisp white wine, and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal that feels special without hours of complicated preparation.

Helpful Storage Ideas for Creamy Lemon Chicken

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce keeps best when sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double batches and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. These meals reheat wonderfully within 2-3 weeks, providing quick weeknight dinner solutions.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to restore the sauce's original creamy consistency. Warm gently over medium-low heat to prevent sauce breaking.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop additional garlic, slice lemons, and measure dry seasonings in advance. Storing prepped ingredients in small containers can save 10-15 minutes during actual cooking time, making meal preparation smoother and more efficient.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 432 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Prep Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender canvas for absorbing delicious flavors, choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that wake up the chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky foundation that adds depth and luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Shallot: Provides delicate, sweet aromatics that complement the chicken without overpowering other ingredients.
• Garlic: Delivers bold, punchy undertones that elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Flour: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into a velvety, clingy sauce.
• Half-and-Half, Milk, Broth: Liquid trio that builds creamy, smooth sauce with layers of savory complexity.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and adds vibrant freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: Verdant herb that provides visual appeal and subtle peppery notes.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative garnish that signals the citrusy essence of the dish.

Silky Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic skillet chicken blends Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients for a quick weeknight dinner. Creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (907 g/2 lbs), pounded to 1.3 cm/0.5-in thickness
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium lemon, juice (45 ml/3 tbsps)
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 small lemon, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken pieces with paper towels, then generously season with salt and pepper.
2. Searing Stage: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken in the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce skillet heat to medium, melt butter, and sauté shallots and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Dust with flour, stirring to create a smooth base and toasting for one minute to eliminate raw flour flavor.
4. Sauce Development: Slowly whisk half-and-half and broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits to maximize sauce depth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, returning chicken to the pan to cook through and allow sauce to thicken.
5. Finishing Touches: Brighten the sauce with fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant flavor profile. Garnish with chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices, serving immediately to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture and warmth.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat chicken dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect chicken browning, creating a flavorful crust without burning.
• Flour Technique: Toast flour mixture briefly to eliminate raw taste and develop a rich, nutty background flavor.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk continuously while adding liquids to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent sauce texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 434 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg