Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken
A quick and delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts You can swap these for chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can be replaced with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice Fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh minced garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be used if necessary.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream for a lighter option.
To Serve
- Orzo, rice, or pasta (your choice) Serve over your favorite choice.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish) Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the lemon garlic sauce. Serve over orzo, rice, or pasta, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, marinate chicken in lemon juice and garlic for a couple of hours before cooking. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.