Creamy Lemon Chicken

The magic of this recipe lies in its velvety cream sauce—a delicious blend of chicken broth, heavy cream and acidic lemon juice that coats each piece of chicken perfectly. Earthy mushrooms add depth and that beloved umami-rich flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Pair it with pasta, wild rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and tasty meal any day of the week.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken

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• Flour: All-purpose flour coats the chicken breasts creating a light crust. It’s also used to help thicken the sauce, resulting in a velvety texture.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the main protein for the dish.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish while cooking the chicken. Here are the main differences between salted and unsalted butter.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and richness to the creamy lemon chicken.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream is responsible for the luscious and creamy texture of the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture to complement the chicken in this dish.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

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In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off the excess.

Editor’s Tip: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating them in flour.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

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In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches until a thermometer reads 165°F, five to seven minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Make the sauce base

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Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered until the liquid is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add cream and mushrooms

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Stir in 3/4 cup of heavy cream, lemon juice and mushrooms. Cook over medium-low heat for five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mushrooms to soften.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

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In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon flour and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, one to two minutes.

Step 6: Finish the dish

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Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and heat through, coating each piece with the creamy lemon sauce.

Editor’s Tip: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and color.

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Variations

• Use some herbs: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or tarragon to the cream lemon sauce base for extra flavor.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate baby spinach, bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and color. Drained artichoke hearts will also work well and add a tang to the dish.
• Make it lactose-free: Swap out the heavy cream and butter for coconut cream and clarified butter for a lactose-free version of this creamy lemon chicken.
• Add some garlic: Saute minced garlic with the mushrooms for a garlic lover’s version of this recipe.

How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken

Store leftovers of this creamy lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if necessary to thin out the sauce.

Can you freeze creamy lemon chicken?

While you can freeze leftovers of this recipe for creamy lemon chicken, the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing due to the cream content. If you do freeze, do so for up to one month in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Tips

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What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken breasts?

To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it in the second step. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.

What can I serve with creamy lemon chicken?

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it over pasta, slow-cooked wild rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

How can I make the sauce even creamier?

For an especially creamy lemon chicken sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone to the simmering sauce.

How do you prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent the cream-based sauce from curdling, add the cream slowly and stir constantly. Do not boil the sauce vigorously after adding the cream.