Creamy Lemon Chicken
This easy skillet chicken recipe features a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce—ready in 30 minutes for a bright and flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh recommended)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
Sear Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Make the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir and scrape up the browned bits (deglazing) for flavor. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Add Creamy Elements:
Reduce heat to low. Gently whisk in sour cream and butter until smooth and creamy. Do not boil to avoid curdling.
Return Chicken to Pan:
Place chicken back in the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
Notes
Even cooking: Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness and prevents drying.
Use fresh lemon: Fresh juice and zest give brighter, more balanced flavor than bottled lemon juice.
Sauce tip: Keep heat low when adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Deglaze for flavor: Scraping the skillet adds depth from the browned chicken bits.
Adjust sauce: Add a splash of broth to thin the sauce or simmer uncovered to thicken.
Optional add-ins: Try spinach, capers, or parsley for extra flavor and color.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/creamy-lemon-chicken/
