When it comes to dinner, we all crave meals that are quick, flavorful, and hassle-free. What if you could have all that in one pan—without sacrificing taste or elegance? Say hello to your new favorite: One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. This dish is more than just a weeknight savior—it’s a creamy, zesty masterpiece that blends bold garlic, bright lemon, and rich cream in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone just looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe has everything you need to make mouths water and hearts happy.
Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
- Only One Skillet – Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
- Bold and Balanced Flavor – Creamy richness with the zing of lemon and the warmth of garlic.
- Versatile Serving – Pair it with anything from pasta to cauliflower mash.
- Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for tight schedules and spontaneous cravings.
- Customizable – Easily tweak ingredients for dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch) for faster, even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly dredge each breast in flour and shake off excess.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be cautious not to let it burn.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful brown bits. Add lemon juice and zest, letting the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce generously over the top. Let everything simmer for 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or cauliflower rice.
- Hearty Side: Mashed potatoes, crusty garlic bread, or herbed quinoa.
- Fresh Finish: Add a wedge of lemon on the side for a citrus boost.
Tips for Success
- Pound Evenly: Ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken so it remains juicy.
- Deglaze Smartly: Use broth to capture all the browned flavor from the pan.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add more cream or broth to get the perfect sauce consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms before simmering the sauce.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Cheesy Layer: Add shredded mozzarella or fontina for an extra-cheesy finish.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh basil, thyme, or tarragon for a different herbal note.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs remain juicy and flavorful, just adjust the cooking time.
Q: Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can substitute Parmesan.
Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make the sauce in advance and reheat when ready. Sear chicken fresh for best texture.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Definitely! Just shred and add to the sauce during the final simmer.
Q: What wine goes well with this dish?
A: Try Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for crisp balance.
Final Thoughts
One-Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s a revelation in weeknight cooking. It proves that you don’t need a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor.
