One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

When you crave a dinner that’s impressive enough for guests but unfussy for weeknights, look no further than One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. This recipe wraps juicy, golden chicken in a luscious, citrusy sauce that’s nothing short of restaurant magic – and yes, it all comes together in just one pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of fresh, humble ingredients transforms into something so crave-worthy. Each component of this One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe brings its own magic to the party—flavor, tenderness, brightness, or that pop of color!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Pounded to even thickness, these guarantee quick, juicy cooking every time.
• Salt and Pepper: The basics, but seasoning well at every step is the secret to flavorful chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce; opt for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best zing—this brightens up the whole dish.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for that bold, aromatic kick that defines the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just a hint of heat—add more if you’re feeling spicy!
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and brings subtle richness.
• Finely Diced Shallots or Red Onions: Shallots offer subtle sweetness, while red onions add color and bite if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salted Butter: Melds everything together into a silky, glossy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The key to that wow-worthy, creamy consistency—just a splash goes a long way!
• Chopped Parsley or Basil: Add freshness and a burst of color for the finishing touch.
• Prepared Broccolini (for serving): Crisp-tender veggies are the perfect companion to soak up any extra sauce.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just using what’s in the fridge, here’s how you can switch things up and still have a fabulous result.

• Swap the Chicken: Boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets work beautifully in place of chicken if you’d like to switch your protein.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce: Use full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unflavored non-dairy creamer for a luscious, dairy-free twist.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and goodness.
• Herb-forward Finish: Try tarragon, thyme, or dill for a totally different (but equally delicious) herby spin.

How to Make One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts or thighs to about ½-inch thickness. This isn’t just for looks—it helps the chicken cook evenly and stay unbelievably juicy. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set them aside while you gather your other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base

In a measuring cup or small bowl, blend the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes together. This quick combo forms the flavor backbone of that irresistible sauce, ensuring every bite will be zesty, aromatic, and a little bit spicy.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add the prepared chicken and let it sizzle until golden—about two to three minutes per side. Don’t stress if it’s not cooked through just yet! Once browned, move the chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and toss the diced shallots into the skillet. Pour in your chicken broth mixture and, using a whisk, scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Pump the heat back up to medium-high and simmer. Let the sauce bubble away for 10–15 minutes, reducing until there’s about ⅓ cup left and the flavor is concentrated.

Step 5: Finish With Butter and Cream

Take the skillet off the heat and whisk in the butter until melted—this adds beautiful gloss to the sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream for that signature silky finish. Return the skillet to the heat for just 30 seconds (don’t let it boil), then take it right off.

Step 6: Bake Everything Together

Add the chicken (plus any juices on the plate) back to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce on top. Slide the whole thing into a preheated 375ºF oven for 5–8 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through. This step melds all the flavors and ensures your One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is perfectly tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top everything with a generous shower of fresh parsley or basil. A few extra lemon slices on the side never hurt! Pair with broccolini, rice, or your favorite pasta so you don’t miss a drop of that luscious sauce.

How to Serve One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Garnishes

The crowning touch for this dish is vibrant, fresh herbs—think chopped parsley or basil. Add lemon slices or wedges for an extra pop of brightness, and a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a touch of freshly cracked black pepper if you love a bit of drama on the plate!

Side Dishes

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a natural companion for fluffy white rice, tender pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes—all ideal for sopping up every last spoonful of that sauce. Roasted broccolini or simple sautéed spinach round out the meal with texture and color.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your crowd, slice the chicken before plating and fan it over the starch of your choice. Drizzle plenty of sauce over top, then garnish generously. For a more rustic, inviting feel, bring the sizzling skillet straight to the table (with a trivet!) for a family-style feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If storing chicken with sauce, try to keep the two separate to preserve the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but keep in mind creamy sauces may change in texture once thawed. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month, and stir well after reheating to re-incorporate the sauce.

Reheating

Gently rewarm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore smoothness. Microwaving works if you go low and slow—heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a skillet bubbling with One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce—it’s the kind of recipe that turns any evening into something special. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with the people you love, and make it your own. Happy cooking!

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