Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is the perfect combination of tender chicken breasts and a rich, flavorful creamy sauce that is infused with fresh lemon and aromatic garlic. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it not only quick but also incredibly delicious. The zesty lemon pepper sauce brings out the best in the chicken, creating a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. With the addition of a creamy base made from half-and-half and chicken broth, this dish is indulgent yet easy to prepare.

The skillet method locks in all the flavors while ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender. The tangy lemon complements the savory flavors of the chicken, and the creamy sauce brings a richness that elevates the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy. This dish can be served with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Full of Flavor

The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning creates a zesty and aromatic sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

3. Creamy and Rich

The creamy sauce made from half-and-half and chicken broth adds richness and indulgence to the dish, making it satisfying without being overly heavy.

4. Versatile

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it a flexible meal option.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

The light and zesty flavor profile makes this dish appealing to a wide range of tastes. It’s sure to be a hit with family, friends, or guests!

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total), sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thin chicken cutlets
• Kosher salt
• Coarsely ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (juice from 1-2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can sauté spinach, asparagus, or zucchini alongside the chicken for added texture and flavor.
• Use Boneless Skinless Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour alternative, such as cornstarch or rice flour, to make the dish gluten-free.
• Creamier Sauce: For an even richer sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the shallot and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring, and then pour in the half-and-half. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Seasoning

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning, mixing until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Place the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the chicken and garnish with lemon slices before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are sliced thinly so they cook quickly and evenly. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can also gently pound them to an even thickness.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
• Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice works best for this recipe, as it provides a vibrant, fresh flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s searing. Overcooking will lead to dry meat, so make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

How to Serve

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For an even more decadent meal, serve it with buttery garlic bread or a side of pasta. Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs to add a bright pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but the sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Reheating

When reheating, do so slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop to ensure the chicken stays moist. Add extra chicken broth or half-and-half if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.

2. Can I make the sauce without flour?

Yes, you can make the sauce without flour. To thicken it, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and sauce just before serving.

5. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a richer, creamier sauce.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but the texture of the sauce may change once frozen and thawed. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately for optimal results.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half.

8. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus in the same skillet after cooking the chicken and add them to the sauce for a complete meal.

10. What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad are great side options to serve with this creamy skillet chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal that combines the best of savory, creamy, and citrusy flavors. The combination of tender chicken, a zesty lemon pepper sauce, and the richness of the cream makes it both satisfying and full of flavor. With minimal effort and ingredients, this dish is ideal for any night of the week and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and savor a delightful, flavorful meal!

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