Description
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is a luscious skillet-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and tangy lemon cream sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides to ensure each bite is perfectly flavored.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes luscious.
- Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon pepper sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and stays juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes to enjoy the full taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor balance in the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Pair the dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
