In search of a quick and delicious dinner option that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken in a Creamy Sauce. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and promises a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. With a prep time of under 30 minutes, you can have a savory and elegant dish ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Begin by heating up a pan. Butterfly the chicken breasts to make them thinner, ensuring they cook faster. This simple step will save you around 10 minutes of cooking time. If you’re unfamiliar with the technique, there are quick tutorials available online.
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts well with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Even though the sauce adds seasoning, it’s crucial to bring out the flavors in the meat.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan. Make sure your pan is hot enough to get a nice, crisp sear on the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the pan without overcrowding. For a beautiful sear, do not cover the pan entirely. Venting the heat ensures the chicken gets that desired crispiness. Avoid flipping the chicken too often; let it cook on one side first.
Flip and Cook
Once the first side has a beautiful sear, flip the chicken. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. At this stage, you can cover the pan partially. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan to prevent overcooking and drying out.
Prepare the Sauce
Using the same pan, make the sauce to retain all the delicious juices and bits. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the pan, then add 1 finely chopped shallot. Cook until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and toast for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Add ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth to the pan and bring to a simmer. To make the sauce creamy, add 1 cup warmed whole milk or half-and-half. The trick to avoid curdling is to heat the half-and-half before adding it. Incorporate it quickly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Simmer with Chicken
Add the chicken back into the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce. Squeeze the juice of 1 medium lemon over the top for a fresh, tangy flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened, the chicken is ready. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your choice of sides such as lemon garlic asparagus, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations
Experiment with Herbs and Spices
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts well with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the meat.
How to Cook Lemon Garlic Chicken in a Pan
Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Then, make the creamy garlic sauce in the same pan and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes.
How to Pan-Sear Chicken
To pan-sear chicken, ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken without moving it to develop a nice crust, then flip and cook the other side until done.
Should You Cover Chicken When Cooking in a Pan?
When cooking chicken in a pan, do not cover it entirely as it may prevent the chicken from getting a nice sear. Instead, partially cover to vent the heat.
What Temperature to Cook Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat and remain juicy.
What Makes This a Great Family Dinner
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy lemon garlic sauce appeals to all ages, and the dish pairs well with various sides.
How to Keep the Cream from Curdling When Making Sauce
To prevent curdling, heat the half-and-half before adding it to the pan and incorporate it quickly into the simmering broth. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serve the lemon garlic chicken with sides like asparagus, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Kitchen Tools/Equipment Needed
- Large pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Tongs
30 Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
A quick and flavorful lemon garlic chicken in a creamy sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied into 4 pcs
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half, warmed
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil in a large pan and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter and sauté 1 finely chopped shallot until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup warmed whole milk or half-and-half and ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning, stirring quickly to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, squeeze the juice of 1 medium lemon over the top, and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
