One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate weeknight wonder: juicy seared chicken in a velvety, bright sauce scented with garlic and finished with a swirl of cream. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special but comes together in just 30 minutes with one pan and a handful of real, flavor-packed ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, from the tender chicken to the fresh hit of lemon and the comforting richness of cream. Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make this meal sing.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Pounding them to an even thickness ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning both sides lets the flavors shine through and highlights the natural tenderness of the chicken.
• Chicken broth: It’s the foundation for building a savory, full-bodied sauce that absorbs every drop of flavor from the pan.
• Lemon juice: Just a splash wakes up the sauce with fresh, tangy brightness—absolutely essential!
• Minced garlic: Don’t skimp here—garlic gives the sauce its aromatic backbone and irresistible, comforting depth.
• Red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle warmth, balancing out the creaminess with a gentle kick (add more if you like a little heat).
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a classic Mediterranean richness to the skillet.
• Finely diced shallots (or red onions): These sweet, mild onions melt into the sauce and build beautiful complexity.
• Salted butter: Swirled in at the finish, butter adds silkiness and deepens the sauce for that restaurant touch.
• Heavy cream: Just a bit transforms the sauce into a velvety dream that clings perfectly to every bite of chicken.
• Chopped parsley or basil: A handful of fresh herbs makes everything pop and adds gorgeous color.
• Prepared broccolini, for serving: The perfect green counterpart to a rich, creamy main—plus, it helps soak up any extra sauce!

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your favorite flavors, so feel free to get creative and make your One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce uniquely yours—whether you’re feeding a crowd, working with pantry staples, or tailoring it to dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless pork chops, shrimp, or even salmon fillets in place of chicken for a fun twist.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Use half-and-half or a splash of coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter—but still creamy—finish.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to make it even more satisfying (and colorful).
• Herb Your Own Way: Swap parsley for fresh basil, dill, or tarragon depending on your mood, or toss in a sprig of thyme during simmering for an earthy undertone.

How to Make One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

For the juiciest, most evenly cooked results, lay your chicken breasts (or thighs) between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½-inch thickness. This little step prevents overcooking and guarantees every piece is succulent! Generously season both sides with salt and pepper so every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base

In a bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This combination is the backbone of your sauce—zesty, fragrant, and just a little bit kicky!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the chicken and sear both sides for 2–3 minutes, just until golden brown. Don’t stress if it’s not fully cooked; it’ll finish in the oven later, picking up loads of flavor as it bakes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the finely diced shallots (or red onion). Pour the broth mixture into the pan, scraping up all those golden brown bits stuck to the bottom—this is where the real depth of flavor comes in! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and you’re left with about ⅓ cup.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cream

Once your sauce is rich and concentrated, remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the butter until fully melted, then gently swirl in the heavy cream—it transforms everything into a luxurious, silky sauce. Briefly return to a low flame (just 30 seconds!) but don’t let it boil, as this keeps it lusciously smooth.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over each piece, and pop the entire pan into your preheated oven. In about 5–8 minutes, the chicken will be perfectly cooked and the sauce bubbling. Shower with parsley or basil and serve warm—don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over your broccolini, rice, or pasta!

How to Serve One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil is the classic finishing touch: it adds a burst of color and herbal fragrance that lifts the whole dish. For a little extra flair, add thin lemon slices or a final dusting of lemon zest just before serving—your dinner will look and taste ultra-fresh!

Side Dishes

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce absolutely loves to be paired with rice (especially something like jasmine or basmati), buttery noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Balance things out with sautéed broccolini or steamed asparagus to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of herbed rice, then drizzle with sauce and top with microgreens. Or serve it family-style right from the skillet—let everyone spoon their own chicken and sauce, rustic-style, with a colorful platter of veggies alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply store any cooled One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but the flavors will deepen deliciously.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together, but for best results, do so before adding the cream. Cream sauces can sometimes separate when reheated from frozen—if you know you’ll freeze it, portion out the sauce and chicken, thaw, and then stir in a splash of cream after reheating for extra silkiness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, thinning with a splash of broth or cream as needed. Microwaving works, too—just use 50% power and heat in short bursts to keep the sauce from breaking and the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, don’t wait—give this One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce a spot on your table this week. I just know it’ll become a go-to favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

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