Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

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Looking for an easy dinner that’s full of flavor and only needs one pan? This creamy lemon garlic chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or even special occasions. With juicy, tender chicken in a rich lemon garlic cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together using simple ingredients like lemon juice, heavy cream, and chicken broth. It has plenty of sauce, which makes it great served over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal—less mess and more flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender chicken
• Quick prep and cooking time
• Uses one large skillet (oven-safe is best!)
• Packed with garlic, lemon, and creamy goodness
• Perfect for weeknight meals or date night at home

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

• 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper (to taste)
• Juice of one fresh lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Optional: red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Sear the Chicken

In a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired. While the skillet heats, season both sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.

Once the pan is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice golden crust forms and the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce

With the skillet still over medium heat, add the juice of one lemon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a whisk to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits. That’s where so much flavor lives!

Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Then whisk in the heavy cream. Season the creamy sauce with more salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Bake

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the lemon garlic cream sauce. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil or use a covered pan and place it in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Serve and Enjoy

This creamy chicken dish is best served over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even fresh veggies like sautéed green beans. Don’t forget to spoon some of that creamy lemon sauce over everything—it’s the best part!

Top with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or grated parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Tips and Variations

Use Different Cuts of Chicken

You don’t have to stick with boneless skinless chicken thighs—this recipe also works great with:

• Thin chicken breasts (pound them with a meat tenderizer for even cooking)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Bone-in chicken thighs (increase the baking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F)
• Chicken tenderloins (for quicker cooking)

No matter the cut, juicy pan-seared chicken is key to a flavorful result.

Swap the Cream

If you don’t have heavy cream, try one of these alternatives:

• Half and half (will result in a slightly thinner sauce)
• Full-fat coconut milk (adds a hint of sweetness and keeps it dairy-free)
• Cream cheese mixed with a splash of milk (for a thicker lemon garlic cream sauce)

Avoid low-fat milk—it can curdle and won’t give you that creamy sauce texture.

Change the Broth

While chicken broth is classic, you can also use:

• Chicken stock for a richer base
• Vegetable broth for a lighter version
• A splash of white wine (along with the broth) for extra depth and acidity

Each option brings out different notes in the lemon garlic cream sauce.

Add Extra Flavor

Make this creamy lemon herb chicken your own by adding:

• Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
• Red pepper flakes or chili flakes for heat
• Lemon zest for more lemon flavor without added acidity
• Sautéed yellow onion or shallots before adding garlic
• A sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top before baking for a golden, cheesy crust

Add Vegetables

Turn this into a full one-pan meal by adding fresh veggies like:

• Baby spinach (add during the last few minutes of baking)
• Mushrooms (sauté before deglazing)
• Asparagus or green beans (place around the chicken before baking)
• Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist

Vegetables soak up the creamy sauce and make the dish even more satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover creamy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a covered pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or heavy cream to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid microwaving too long—this can cause the sauce to break.

What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

This creamy lemon chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Angel hair pasta or linguine
• Fluffy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Steamed rice or herbed quinoa
• Roasted fresh veggies or a side salad with lemon vinaigrette

No matter how you serve it, the best part is the creamy lemon garlic sauce—so make sure there’s something to soak it all up!

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first time making creamy garlic chicken or you’re just looking for a new skillet chicken recipe, this creamy lemon garlic chicken is a great recipe to try. It’s perfect for one-pan meals or easy chicken dinners any night of the week.

Save or print the recipe card and keep it handy—this is one dish you’ll be making again and again. The whole thing comes together fast, has tons of flavor, and pairs beautifully with fresh lemons, green beans, or pasta.

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