One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, tangy, and creamy lemon garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party, as it’s quick to prepare and can be made with minimal cleanup, thanks to the one-skillet method. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic, lemon, and a hint of Parmesan, making this chicken dish a savory, comforting meal that everyone will love.
1. What Makes One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce So Special?
This dish stands out for several reasons:
- One-Skillet Convenience: Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: The sauce is the star of the dish, combining rich cream, zesty lemon, and savory garlic for a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick and Easy: The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding vegetables, herbs, or even swapping the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or turkey.
2. How to Make One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the butter. - Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce flavors. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken with extra sauce on top. Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly and can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to check the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- Adjust the cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables: You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the skillet for a more complete meal.
3. Health Benefits of One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
While this dish is indulgent, it can still offer some health benefits:
Lean Protein
Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth, immune health, and energy levels. Protein is also crucial for the repair and regeneration of tissues.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Lemon provides vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production. Garlic offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Healthy Fats
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium, though it should be used in moderation.
Customizable for Dietary Preferences
You can make this dish dairy-free by using a non-dairy cream alternative (like coconut cream) and skipping the Parmesan. It can also be made gluten-free if you ensure that the broth is gluten-free.
4. Creative Variations of One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few fun ideas:
Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in some fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for added texture, flavor, and color.
Chicken with Mushrooms
Add sautéed mushrooms to the skillet for a more earthy flavor that complements the lemony cream sauce beautifully.
Chicken with Asparagus
For a spring twist, add asparagus spears to the skillet while the sauce is simmering. The tender asparagus will soak up the creamy lemon sauce and add a fresh crunch.
Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Swap the chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood twist. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs wonderfully with the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
Low-Carb Version
Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or potatoes for a low-carb alternative.
5. Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some ideas for sides that pair perfectly with One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:
Perfect Pairings:
- Steamed Vegetables: Try pairing with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a light, healthy side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes will absorb the sauce beautifully, creating a deliciously comforting meal.
- Rice or Risotto: Serve the chicken over steamed rice or a creamy lemon risotto to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Drinks to Pair:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing contrast, serve with sparkling water or a citrusy lemonade.
- Iced Tea: A light unsweetened iced tea balances the richness of the dish without overpowering the flavors.
6. Tips for Storing and Reheating One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Leftovers of this dish store well and can be enjoyed the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Storage:
- Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to separate the chicken from the sauce to prevent it from getting too soggy.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid separating the cream in the sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs About One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can use regular milk or heavy cream instead of buttermilk. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
4. Can I use another type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes! Pecorino Romano or Asiago would work as good alternatives for Parmesan.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy cream, and skip the Parmesan to make it dairy-free.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
8. How do I avoid the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when making the sauce and avoid bringing it to a boil. Stir constantly to keep everything emulsified.
9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, but the cream sauce may separate when frozen and reheated. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately.
10. Can I use white wine instead of chicken broth?
Yes, white wine adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce and pairs well with the lemon and garlic.
Conclusion
One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is an easy, elegant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this creamy, tangy chicken recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. 🍋🍗🧄