Description
This Lemon Herb Cream Chicken features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and enveloped in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with fresh herbs. Bright, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s an easy yet elegant dinner ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the meat is flavorful throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, which will infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin thickening.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon herb sauce over the top. Let it simmer together for 3–5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors and the sauce thickens further.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional thyme or rosemary over the dish. Serve warm and enjoy this bright and creamy chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce texture.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference for more or less citrus brightness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
