Description
Creamy lemon garlic chicken is a marinated chicken thigh or breast finished in a silky, tangy sauce made from the marinade and heavy cream. This elegant yet simple dinner comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
1½ cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine the chicken broth, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large resealable bag or bowl.
2. Add the chicken and coat it evenly in the marinade, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, reserving the marinade for the sauce.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest.
6. Pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes until reduced by about half.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through and coated in the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired, and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Marinate for at least 20 minutes but don’t exceed 2 hours or the lemon juice will over-tenderize the meat.
Always boil the reserved marinade first before using it as a sauce to ensure food safety.
Whisk the cream in off the heat to prevent it from breaking or curdling in the hot sauce.
Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness, though breasts work if that’s your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg