How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken That Everyone Will Love

Are you ready to impress your family with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about my Creamy Lemon Chicken! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick family dinner that feels special. With tender chicken tenderloins enveloped in a zesty lemon cream sauce, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it pairs beautifully with easy pasta recipes or a fresh salad. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Rich and creamy flavor that elevates your weeknight dinner ideas.
• Versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or a side salad.
• Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Great for meal prep or leftovers!

Ingredients

To make this Creamy Lemon Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken tenderloins
• 1/4 cup (40 g) all-purpose/plain flour (use gluten-free if needed)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to season to the flour
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp butter (See Note 1)
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter (See Note 1)
• 2 large garlic cloves – minced
• 1 cup (250 ml) heavy whipping/thickened cream (See Note 2)
• 1-3 tsp lemon zest – loosely packed, add to taste (See Note 3)
• 2-4 tbsp (40-80 ml) lemon juice – freshly squeezed, add to taste (See Note 4)
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley – finely chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste (See Note 5)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Lemon Chicken:

1. Have all your ingredients prepared before you start to cook. There is a small, white, tough tendon at the end of the chicken tenderloin. You will need to remove it with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. There’s no need to remove it all; the tendon inside the meat is very thin and you won’t notice it after cooking, but it is important to remove the larger, thicker piece. Don’t try to pull it out or the meat may fall apart.
2. Pat the chicken dry with some paper towel. On a large plate, mix the flour, the dried oregano, and some salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in it so it is well coated. Tap off any excess flour.
3. Heat one tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until just cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
5. Add the remaining one tablespoon of butter to the same pan and add the garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
6. Add the lemon juice and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spoon to get all the flavor.
7. Add the zest and the cream, and mix. Simmer for three minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for a further 2-3 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. (It will thicken more as it stands.)
9. Add the parsley and season well. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Creamy Lemon Chicken turns out perfectly:

• For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water when cooking the chicken.
• If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• Adjust the lemon juice and zest to your taste; some like it tangier than others.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy garlic pasta or a light salad like Creamy Cucumber Salad.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving your Creamy Lemon Chicken, the options are endless! Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it over a bed of lemon cream pasta with chicken for a delightful twist.
• Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
• For a heartier meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice.
• Don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Lemon Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the cream sauce, as it may separate when thawed. You can always add the cream sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve!

So, there you have it! A delicious, creamy, and zesty dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for chicken with lemon cream sauce or a new addition to your lemon chicken breast recipes, this Creamy Lemon Chicken is a winner. Enjoy your cooking adventure!