If you’re anything like me, finding that perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t take forever is a constant quest. We want comfort, but we also want things that feel bright and energizing, right? That’s exactly where my Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet completely shines through. Lemon and garlic have always been my favorite pair—they bring vibrancy to simple ingredients. This recipe, which cooks up beautifully in just about 30 minutes, nails the balancing act between rich creaminess and that zesty citrus punch we all crave. It perfectly reflects the Sena Recipes philosophy: nourishing comfort food that’s incredibly easy to fit into real life.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Honestly, this skillet dinner is the definition of a weeknight superstar. I developed this recipe when I needed comforting food that didn’t weigh me down or create a sink full of dishes. If you’re looking for a simple chicken recipe that packs a huge flavor punch, you’ve found it here!
- Lightning Fast Prep and Cook Time: With only 10 minutes of prepping and 20 minutes on the stove, you’re sitting down to eat in about half an hour. It’s one of the best quick dinner ideas around.
- Minimal Cleanup is guaranteed: Because everything cooks up perfectly in one large skillet, cleanup is usually just one pan and maybe a cutting board. Hello, easy Tuesday night!
- The Flavor Balance is Perfection: It hits that sweet spot between rich and bright. That velvety cream sauce is balanced perfectly by fresh lemon, so you get comfort food that still feels vibrant.
- Totally Family-Friendly: It’s made with thin chicken cutlets, which cook quickly and stay juicy, making it a great option for busy families who need satisfying chicken breast dinner ideas fast.
Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
You’ll notice right away that this *Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet* doesn’t call for a mile-long grocery list, which is exactly what I love about it. We’re using simple, quality ingredients here to let that gorgeous lemon-garlic flavor pop!
Because we are searing the chicken relatively fast, make sure you start with 4 thin chicken breasts – probably about 1 ½ lbs total. If your chicken breasts look a little chunky, don’t hesitate to place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and give them a gentle pound until they are an even thickness. This ensures they cook through at the same speed as your sauce comes together. Trust me, even cooking is the secret to juicy chicken!
Here’s what you’ll need ready to go:
- 4 thin chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs total)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to season the chicken
- 1 T olive oil
- ⅔-1 c chicken broth (We need enough to scrape up the good bits!)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (Please, please use fresh garlic!)
- 2 T butter (The real kind, always!)
- 3 oz. Cream cheese, cold cream cheese works the best here
- 1/2 tsp pepper (For the sauce now)
- 1/4 c fresh lemon juice (Fresh squeezed really makes a difference here)
- Chopped parsley, lemon zest, optional, for garnish
That’s it! See? Easy, right? Having salt, pepper, and garlic powder ready to go ensures you season the chicken properly before it even hits the heat.
Essential Equipment for Your Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Before we even think about sprinkling salt on that chicken, let’s chat about what you need nearby. Since this is a one-pan wonder, we don’t need much, but having the right tools makes the process so much smoother! This keeps things quick and prevents that classic pan-scorch disaster.
I find laying out these items first saves me loads of time when I’m moving fast between searing and sauce-making. You absolutely want:
- A sturdy, large skillet. I prefer cast iron or a good non-stick skillet that can handle medium-high heat without fuss.
- Tongs, for flipping those chicken breasts safely.
- A whisk! This is non-negotiable when melting the cream cheese. You need to break up those lumps quickly.
- A silicone spatula for scraping the bottom when we deglaze the pan. Those browned bits are flavor gold!
- A pair of tongs or a meat thermometer to check the chicken temperature—165°F is our target here.
- A small bowl for your seasonings and zest, just to keep things organized.
- A piece of foil or a plate to rest the finished chicken while you whip up the sauce.
That’s it for the gear! We’re keeping it simple so you can spend less time washing up and more time digging into this delicious healthy chicken recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Okay, grab your skillet! This is where the magic happens. Because this is a speedy meal, you need to have all your ingredients measured out beforehand—this is the key to surviving the sear and the sauce build without burning anything. We move fast here, so focus up! I’ll walk you through the assembly process so you get perfectly juicy chicken every single time, just like the one you’d find in my favorite healthy chicken recipes collection.
Preparing and Searing the Chicken
First things first: Dry those chicken breasts super well with a paper towel. Seriously, pat them down! Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful golden sear. Now, season them generously on both sides with your salt, pepper, and garlic powder mix. Get that large skillet on medium-high heat, add your tablespoon of olive oil, and wait until it shimmers just a bit. Lay the chicken down undisturbed—don’t touch it—for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a nice crust that lets go easily. Pull the chicken off once it hits that 165°F internal temperature, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest while we make the sauce!
Building the Bright Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Keep that heat set to medium now, don’t go too high or the garlic will scorch! Pour in about 2/3 cup of that chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s called deglazing, and it’s pure flavor reinforcement. Now, add the butter and let it melt until it’s just starting to bubble gently. Toss in your minced garlic and heat it for only about one minute until you can really smell it; we don’t want it bitter! Next, drop in the cream cheese. Whisk vigorously as it melts until the sauce looks perfectly smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick to pour later—sometimes the cream cheese is just stubborn—whisk in a little more broth until it’s a lovely, pourable consistency.
Finishing the Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Once that cream cheese is totally incorporated and smooth, take the skillet right off the heat source. I always do this step off the burner because lemon juice can curdle dairy in intense heat! Stir in your fresh lemon juice—wow, the aroma lifts instantly! Now, nestle those warm chicken breasts right back into the skillet, making sure they get completely coated in that gorgeous, bright sauce. Give the sauce one final taste test and add a smidge more salt or pepper if the lemon needs balancing. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest if you have it on hand. Serve this right away!
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet Results
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and a few little tricks I picked up can really take it from good to absolutely restaurant-quality. Remember how I mentioned pounding the chicken? That’s tip number one, trust me. Having that uniform thickness means your chicken stays tender and juicy, and it won’t have one side dried out while the other is still trying to cook through. That consistency is key for any of these simple chicken recipes.
When you get to the sauce-making part, pay close attention to the garlic. It goes in *after* the butter melts and the broth is simmering. You only want about 60 seconds of heat exposure for that minced garlic—just long enough to become fragrant. If you let it sit too long on medium heat, it turns bitter fast, and that ruins the whole bright flavor profile we are shooting for!
Also, don’t be afraid to play with your broth level. If you look at the recipe, I suggest ⅔ cup to 1 full cup of chicken broth. If you love a thicker, almost gravy-like sauce that really clings to the chicken, stick to the ⅔ cup. If you’re planning on serving this over something that needs mopping up—like pasta or rice—use that full cup to stretch that incredible lemon cream sauce just a little further.
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Life happens, and sometimes you’re missing that one jar in the spice cabinet or you just feel like switching things up! That’s totally fine, especially when we’re aiming for accessible, healthy dinner recipes. This Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet is really flexible, though I always encourage using fresh lemon juice—that’s hard to substitute well!
If chicken breasts aren’t your go-to protein this week, no worries! This method works beautifully with pork tenderloin slices or even firmer white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust your cooking time down significantly for the fish, perhaps just 2-3 minutes per side, as they cook way faster than chicken.
Now, let’s talk about that luscious sauce because dairy substitutes can be tricky, but totally doable:
- For the Cream Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy or just ran out, you can achieve similar creaminess using full-fat Greek yogurt or cashew cream. If using Greek yogurt, make sure you take the pan completely off the heat before stirring it in, just like we do with the lemon juice! This prevents curdling. You might need slightly less chicken broth to reach the right thickness.
- For the Herbs: I love the brightness fresh parsley gives, but if you’re out, dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch—just use about half the amount you think you need. Dill or even a tiny sprinkle of dried oregano can also complement the lemon nicely if you want an herbaceous twist.
- For the Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a perfect, natural swap. If you’re really in a pinch, just use water, but you’ll lose a touch of savory depth, so maybe add an extra dash of garlic powder when you season the chicken!
The core flavors—lemon, garlic, and the sear on the protein—are what really anchor this dish. As long as you keep those elements strong, swapping the supporting cast members makes for a wonderful new variation!
Serving Suggestions for This Simple Chicken Recipe
The *Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet* is so rich and flavorful, especially that sauce, that you absolutely need something on the side to soak it all up! I always try to pair it with something that complements the brightness of the lemon but can stand up to the little bit of richness from the cream cheese. If you’re looking for easy chicken dinner ideas that make a complete meal, here are my go-to pairings:
For something warm and comforting that truly lets the sauce shine, you can never go wrong with pasta. A simple serving of angel hair or linguine is perfect. If you want to sneak in some greens along with that comfort, my creamy lemon pasta recipe using broccoli is one of my absolute favorites—it feels indulgent but it’s still light enough for a weeknight.
If you’re keeping things lower carb or just want something quick, don’t skip the grains:
- Rice Pilaf or White Rice: Fluffy white rice is the perfect blank canvas; it just asks to be covered in that lemon cream sauce.
- Quinoa: If you’re looking for a healthier, protein-packed grain, quinoa works beautifully here.
- Creamy Polenta: This is decadent! The smooth polenta melts right into the pan sauce, creating an incredibly luxurious meal that feels fancier than it actually is.
And for the veggies? Keep them simple so they don’t compete with the main event. Tender-crisp steamed or lightly roasted asparagus tossed with just a tiny bit of salt and pepper is my favorite choice. Steamed green beans or bright, blanched broccoli florets are also fantastic because they offer a little pop of color and crunch against the smooth sauce. It really makes this feel like a well-rounded, healthy dinner idea!
Storage and Reheating for Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
One of the best things about this **Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet** is that it makes amazing leftovers! While fresh is always best, having a quick meal waiting for lunch the next day is a lifesaver when you’re busy. It’s a great example of how these **lazy dinners** can give you more time back.
If you happen to have any sauce left over—which is likely, since I always make sure there’s extra to drown my rice in—you need to be gentle when reheating, especially with the cream cheese base. Don’t just microwave it on high blast, or the sauce can separate and get a little oily on top!
Storing Your Delicious Leftovers
When you’re done eating, let the pan cool down on the counter for about 20 minutes until it’s just warm to the touch. Do not put a hot pan directly into the fridge! Transfer the chicken and any remaining sauce into an airtight container. I suggest keeping the chicken and sauce together, as the chicken soaks up all that lovely flavor while chilling.
This savory skillet meal keeps really well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Since it’s such a simple chicken recipe, it’s perfect for meal-prepping lunches for the week.
The Best Way to Reheat the Skillet
My absolute favorite way to bring this back to life is on the stovetop. Place the leftovers into a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. You need low heat for this because of those dairy components!
As it starts to warm, you’ll probably notice the sauce looks a little tighter than yesterday. This is completely normal! Add a tiny splash—maybe a tablespoon—of **chicken broth** or even just plain water. Whisk gently as it heats up. This small bit of liquid will re-emulsify that cream cheese sauce, making it silky again without any fuss.
If you are really in a rush and need to use the microwave, use short bursts—about 30 to 45 seconds at a time—stirring well in between each burst until it’s heated through. Remember to cover it loosely with a paper towel to keep the chicken from drying out too much while warming up!
Estimated Nutrition for This Healthy Dinner Recipe
When I set out to create this Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet, I really wanted a dish that delivered on serious flavor without making me feel bogged down later. It’s one of my favorite satisfying, yet light, healthy dinner recipes! It hits that sweet spot of feeling comforting because of the creaminess, but the lemon keeps it feeling wonderfully fresh.
I’ve included the estimated nutritional breakdown below. Because we are relying on whole ingredients like chicken breast and using modest amounts of cream cheese, the protein is high and the fat leans toward healthier sources when you aren’t adding extra butter or oil for serving. Remember, these numbers are just estimates based on the core ingredients in the recipe, so your actual counts might vary slightly depending on the brand of chicken or the exact amount of broth you use to thin your sauce.
For more recipes that focus on balancing flavor and wellness, take a look at my collection of healthy recipes for weight loss.
Here is the breakdown per serving (which is 1 chicken breast with sauce):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
A quick note: These figures don’t include any side dishes you might add, like pasta, rice, or extra vegetables. If you serve this over a big mound of rice, you’ll definitely want to recalculate your totals! But on its own, this skillet delivers big flavor and staying power without a huge calorie count.
Share Your Experience Making the Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
Oh, I truly just love hearing from you all when you try one of my simpler meals! This Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet is one of those recipes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy. It’s designed to fit right into your busy life, which is something I—Olivia Bennett, the developer here at Sena Recipes—am always aiming for. I believe food should nourish us without adding stress to our day.
So, if you whipped this up for dinner last night, please let me know how it went! Did you use asparagus or pasta underneath? Did you add a tiny bit more lemon zest for brightness? I’m always thrilled to hear about your little tweaks and successes in the kitchen.
Take a moment to leave a star rating right below—it helps other cooks find approachable, flavorful meals like this one. And definitely drop a comment below! I read every single one.
If you want to see more of the balanced, approachable meals I get so excited about—meals that focus on fresh flavors and easy cleanup—you can always check out my author page here!
Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Make this bright and creamy chicken skillet dinner quickly. It combines fresh lemon and garlic flavors in a rich sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 thin chicken , approximately 1 ½ lbs.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, pepper and garlic powder, to season chicken
- 1 T olive oil
- ⅔–1 c chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 T butter
- 3 oz. Cream cheese
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ c lemon juice
- Chopped parsley, lemon zest, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook uninterrupted for about 4-5 minutes until it easily pulls away from the pan. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
- Shift the stove to medium heat. Add 2/3 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.
- Add the butter and let it melt. When it is lightly bubbling, add the minced garlic and heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the cream cheese and whisk well as it melts to incorporate it smoothly into the sauce. Add some extra chicken broth if you need to thin the sauce slightly.
- Once the cream cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cover it with the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thin chicken or pound thicker ones to an even thickness for faster, more consistent cooking.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, use the full 1 cup of chicken broth when deglazing the pan.
- For garnish, use fresh parsley and lemon zest for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet, Simple Chicken Recipes, Chicken Dinner Ideas, Quick Dinner Ideas, Healthy Chicken Recipes, One Pan Dinner