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    Home » Recipes

    Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken

    Published: Apr 11, 2018 / Updated: Apr 6, 2021 / 46 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This creamy lemon chicken recipe is fast, simple, and uses everyday pantry ingredients. You will love the tangy lemon sauce. The chicken melts in your mouth! Easy and elegant! Ready in only 25 minutes.

    creamy lemon chicken in a copper skillet
    Photos updated 9/2020

    This creamy lemon garlic chicken is soo good. Chicken usually isn't my favorite thing on the planet, but I really, really liked this dish. Something about the lemons, cream, butter, and tender chicken did it for me. 😉

    It's really very simple to make, so this is something you could do for an easy weeknight dinner or even a slightly fancier occasion. Pretty sure that the creamy lemon sauce will be a hit!

    How to make creamy lemon chicken

    1. Cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise (this keeps 'em tender and helps them cook faster) and season them with salt & pepper and garlic powder. Dredge in flour;
    2. Cook them in the butter & olive oil until golden. Take them out of the pan and add the chicken broth and lemon juice; let it cook for a minute;
    3. Add the chicken back in the pan and pour the cream over top. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce reduces and the chicken is cooked through.

    ...Easy, right? (Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below)

    close-up of pan-fried chicken in a lemon cream sauce

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • If you want to leave the garlic powder out, you can, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish that I just love. It's definitely not overpowering at all. If you're big into garlic, feel free to sprinkle on a bit extra.
    • This chicken is fairly lemony, so if you want a more subtle lemon flavor, I recommend using less lemon juice.
    • Feel free to substitute all or half of the chicken broth with dry white wine.
    • I recommend using an instant read meat thermometer for all chicken recipes... it's inexpensive and ensures you never have overdone or underdone chicken. Chicken is safe at 165F. Keep in mind the temperature will rise a bit after you stop cooking it.
    • You can add a bit of lemon zest to this dish if you want even more lemony flavor. I use my Microplane for this.

    What to serve with creamy lemon chicken

    Rice or mashed potatoes go very well. Vegetable-wise, green beans, asparagus, or sweet corn go fabulously with this dish. You could even serve it over pasta.

    More easy lemon chicken recipes:

    • Easy Chicken Piccata
    • Lemon Butter Chicken
    • Lemon Chicken Orzo
    • Lemon Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
    • Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
    • Honey Lemon Chicken

    close-up of creamy lemon chicken

    I hope you will give these creamy pan-fried lemon chicken breasts a try!

    Questions? Talk to me in the comments below.

    creamy lemon chicken in a copper skillet

    Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken

    This creamy lemon chicken recipe is fast, simple, and uses everyday pantry ingredients. You will love the tangy lemon sauce. The chicken melts in your mouth! Easy and elegant!
    4.85 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 426 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Flour for dredging
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Salt & pepper
    • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. Generously season them with salt & pepper on both sides, and sprinkle the garlic powder on both sides evenly. Dredge them in flour.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. When the pan's hot, add the chicken and cook it for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
    • Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan, and let it cook for about a minute (make sure to scrape up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan). 
    • Add the chicken back into the pan and pour the cream over top. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes or so, until the cream thickens up a bit and the chicken is cooked through completely. 
    • Before serving, I like to grate some lemon zest and stir it into the sauce, but this is totally optional. Add more salt & pepper if needed and sprinkle parsley over top if using. Serve immediately. 

    Notes

    • You could swap the chicken broth with dry white wine if desired. 
    • I don't recommending swapping the cream for half-and-half or milk because the lemon juice may cause the sauce to separate/curdle.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 486mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1083IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword creamy lemon chicken
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork
    Simple Roasted Radishes Recipe »

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    1. Lynn says

      January 20, 2023 at 4:58 PM

      Can I omit the flour or sub for almond flour for a gluten-free option?

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 21, 2023 at 10:52 AM

        Almond flour won't thicken the sauce. I'd just skip it in this case.

        Reply
    2. Alyssa says

      April 26, 2022 at 1:48 PM

      5 stars
      This is so easy and delicious. The whole family loves it and we usually include it in our weekly rotation or swap it out for salt and lavender’s chicken florentine.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 26, 2022 at 1:54 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that, Alyssa! 😀 Appreciate your review!

        Reply
    3. priscilla says

      March 6, 2022 at 8:04 AM

      Could I substitute Plain greek yougurt for the heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 6, 2022 at 10:34 AM

        Hi! I really wouldn't. It'll taste completely different, the texture will be off, and it'll likely curdle.

        Reply
      • Gail says

        July 21, 2022 at 7:10 AM

        I sub cashew milk for heavy cream in everything now.

        Reply
    4. Rebecca Foster-Faith says

      January 15, 2022 at 5:19 PM

      3 stars
      Found the sauce very heavy and bland. I might reverse the cream/ broth proportions next time. Also very white - I added broccoli which was delicious and more visual appealing. (Added to the pasta water half thru cooking)

      Reply
    5. Brent says

      January 4, 2022 at 5:32 PM

      5 stars
      This was amazing!! I’m adding this to my low carb menu.
      I also tried the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe, for my carb day and that was amazing also.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 4, 2022 at 8:27 PM

        Great! I'm so pleased you enjoyed both recipes, Brent!

        Reply
    6. Suzanne Banck says

      November 4, 2021 at 8:15 AM

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious!! I’m going to prepare it this evening. Going to serve with couscous.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 4, 2021 at 9:45 AM

        Hope you love it, Suzanne! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kelly Jo says

      October 12, 2021 at 8:04 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious! Made it with risotto and could literally drink the sauce. Another great recipe! Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 12, 2021 at 9:11 PM

        You're very welcome!! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Karen Haywood says

      September 21, 2021 at 7:51 AM

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved it! Served it over Angel hair pasta. Had some chicken left over but no sauce, so made half the sauce recipe and added it to the chicken the next night for dinner. Comfort food at it’s best!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 21, 2021 at 10:27 AM

        Wonderful!! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your review! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Cheryl Semenko says

      January 3, 2021 at 6:29 PM

      You are wonderful cook-Making the chicken for dinner tomorrow. 1-4-2l

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2021 at 6:45 PM

        Thank you! Enjoy.

        Reply
    10. Bill says

      October 29, 2020 at 10:55 AM

      What temp am i looking for on my instant read thermometer?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 29, 2020 at 11:01 AM

        For chicken it's safe at 165F. Temp will rise a bit after you stop cooking it, though. If you're a bit over 165F then it'll still be tender, but don't go too much over.

        Reply
    11. G. Tucker says

      October 22, 2020 at 6:27 PM

      This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe was so delicious! I served it with mashed potatoes and peas and biscuits. I will be adding this recipe to my regular rotation. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 22, 2020 at 7:11 PM

        Wonderful!! You're welcome.

        Reply
    12. Kelly Lane says

      May 17, 2020 at 10:38 AM

      5 stars
      This was easy and fabulous! Added the lemon zest for the extra zing! Served it over angel hair pasta. Thank you for another delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 17, 2020 at 2:48 PM

        Wonderful!! So glad it was a hit. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Hannah says

      May 6, 2020 at 7:28 PM

      love this recipe ☺️ So easy and so delicious! My husband requests this dish at least 5-6 times a month!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 7, 2020 at 8:34 AM

        That makes me so happy!!

        Reply
      • Samar says

        May 23, 2020 at 6:29 AM

        5 stars
        Just made this , it’s easy, delicious and everybody loved it . Thank you

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          May 24, 2020 at 12:04 PM

          You're very welcome! 🙂

          Reply
    14. Amanda says

      March 29, 2020 at 6:49 PM

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious. Definitely a keeper!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 29, 2020 at 9:13 PM

        So glad you liked it! Thank you!

        Reply
    15. Mari says

      November 30, 2019 at 6:09 PM

      This is the best chicken I’ve ever made.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2019 at 10:09 AM

        Wonderful! 😀

        Reply
    16. Jenny says

      November 6, 2019 at 10:28 PM

      5 stars
      Just cooked this and it was SO tasty! Loved the creamy sauce with the brightness of the lemon. We served over white rice. Will definitely cook again. Have tried other recipes and they are always so good and easy. Thank you!
      - Jenny in LA

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 7, 2019 at 12:00 PM

        So pleased you enjoyed it, Jenny! Thanks for letting me know! 😀

        Reply
    17. Lia says

      July 24, 2019 at 4:24 AM

      5 stars
      Love it! My family loves it and it’s everybody’s fav food! Thnxs for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 24, 2019 at 8:31 AM

        Wonderful! Thanks so much for letting me know, Lia!

        Reply
    18. Joanna says

      July 9, 2019 at 1:20 PM

      5 stars
      This looks delicious, I'll be trying it soon, but please answer this question for me. You don't introduce the cream until step 4 correct? And you just pour it directly onto the cooked chicken? Thanks in advance 😊

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 9, 2019 at 3:20 PM

        That's right. You could always add the cream to the pan right before adding the chicken - either way would work. Let me know how it goes! 🙂

        Reply
    19. Lisa says

      July 2, 2019 at 9:45 AM

      5 stars
      Absolutely divine ! New family fave! Served with IP basmati rice. So very good! Thank you for the recipe :))

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 2, 2019 at 2:13 PM

        Great!! So happy you liked it, Lisa! 😀

        Reply
    20. Loti says

      December 28, 2018 at 6:54 AM

      Would coconut cream work instead of whipping cream? Recipe sounds amazing but I am gluten and dairy free.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 28, 2018 at 9:56 AM

        Hmmm it’ll definitely give it a different flavor and texture, but it may end up surprisingly good! Let me know if you do try. ☺️

        Reply
    21. Chantal says

      October 12, 2018 at 2:09 AM

      Thank you for the delish recipe. Are you able to do this in the oven?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM

        I think you could definitely give it a try, Chantal. You may have to adjust cooking time - I'd use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is done properly the first time you make it.

        Reply
    22. Arora kartick says

      June 28, 2018 at 6:02 AM

      This was delicious. More such easy receipies are needed. God bless you.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 28, 2018 at 8:41 AM

        So glad to hear it! Thanks!

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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