If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s weeknight easy yet dinner-party worthy, Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This one-skillet wonder features juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious lemon-kissed sauce, brightened with fresh zest and a hint of garlic. It’s irresistibly creamy, packed with peppery warmth, and zings with citrus in every bite — the kind of meal that instantly upgrades any table. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or a heap of greens, this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken delivers comfort and elegance in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is that it brings huge flavor from everyday staples. Every ingredient plays its role, giving depth, richness, and a vibrant finish, so don’t skip a thing. Here’s what you’ll need, plus reasons why each one matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, the perfect canvas for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Packs both zest and pepper in every sprinkle, giving the dish its signature punch.
- Salt: Balances and sharpens every flavor — a little goes a long way.
- Olive Oil: Ensures a beautiful sear and helps build layers of flavor right from the start.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
- Garlic: Just a little is all you need for aromatic heat that rounds out the tangy lemon.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens — it makes the sauce ultra-creamy and decadent.
- Chicken Broth: Deepens the savoriness and keeps everything perfectly saucy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty — truly the secret to craveable creaminess.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Delivers that unmistakable pop of bright, fresh citrus.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herby finish and a splash of color.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with the lemon pepper seasoning and salt. This not only flavors the chicken but helps it develop that golden, slightly crispy crust when cooked later. Let the chicken rest while you heat up your skillet — this little pause gives the flavors a minute to settle in.
Step 2: Sear Until Golden
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, lay the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and let them sear, untouched, for 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once they’re cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Without wiping out the skillet (you want that delicious fond left in the pan!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds or until wonderfully fragrant — don’t let it brown. Now pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring well. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for about 3–4 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Return Chicken & Finish
Slide the seared chicken (and any juices that collected) back into the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and beautifully glazed in sauce. Take a moment to marvel at how quickly Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken comes together!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
For the finishing touch, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews — this dish is all about sharing that creamy, citrusy goodness right away.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra lemon zest brightens the dish instantly, making it look as irresistible as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few lemon slices or a grind of black pepper for even more visual appeal and a final pep of flavor.
Side Dishes
You can serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken over velvety mashed potatoes, a tangle of pasta, or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. The sauce plays well with just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines in family-style or date-night settings. Try slicing the chicken and arranging it atop a platter of buttered noodles with sauce poured generously over all, or serve individual portions with asparagus spears and lemon wedges. For a brunch twist, spoon leftovers onto warm toasted sourdough and top with a poached egg — brunch goals achieved!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The sauce may thicken upon standing, but it will loosen up beautifully when reheated. Be sure to store chicken and sauce together for the most flavorful results.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers; they’ll keep well for up to two months. The sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together. For best quality, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For stovetop reheating, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed. Covered gently, it will heat through in a few minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally. Just avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs make a juicier, more flavorful alternative to breasts in Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken. Just extend the cooking time as needed and check for doneness — thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F as well.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still velvety, and the lemon flavor will shine through.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken, use a plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut cream) and a vegan butter and Parmesan. The flavors will still be lively, and you’ll have a gorgeous, silky sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your chicken broth and any seasonings are certified gluten-free if you’re very sensitive.
Will the sauce curdle if I add lemon juice to cream?
No worries — as long as you add the lemon juice after the cream and bring the sauce to just a gentle simmer, it should stay perfectly smooth and creamy without splitting or curdling.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that one dish that dazzles your family or wows your friends without keeping you chained to the stove, Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is it. I can’t recommend it enough: it’s rich, zippy, and impossibly comforting. Give this recipe a whirl the next time you’re craving something special that still fits into a busy week — you’re going to love every lemony, creamy bite!
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Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delicious Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub lemon pepper seasoning and salt on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, broth, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it. Simmer briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- Try using chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
