Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken! This dish strikes the perfect balance between bright citrus, savory richness, and a subtle peppery kick. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then nestled in a dreamy lemon-infused cream sauce that’s sure to have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress your family, this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken transforms simple pantry staples into pure comfort and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role: from the tang of fresh lemon to the richness of cream, each one elevates the dish’s irresistible flavor, silky texture, or vibrant color. Don’t be tempted to swap out too many elements—these basics work together in perfect harmony!
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, boneless chicken breasts soak up all the savory, zesty flavors of the sauce.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds the dish’s signature zing and peppery warmth in one simple shake.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors of both chicken and sauce—don’t skip it.
- Olive Oil: Lets you achieve that gorgeous golden sear while adding a hint of fruity depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety finish and adds richness to every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Fragrant garlic infuses the sauce with savory complexity.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a robust foundation and helps deglaze all those flavorful brown bits from the pan.
- Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce, heavy cream creates a thick, dreamy texture that coats every morsel.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): A sprinkle of Parmesan lends umami depth and subtle nuttiness to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed): For brightness that wakes up the whole dish and balances the cream.
- Lemon Zest: The oils from fresh lemon zest make the citrus pop—don’t skip this step!
- Black Pepper: Extra freshly cracked pepper for another layer of warmth and aroma.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and herbal finish at serving time.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this will help you get the best sear. Generously sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper seasoning and salt, making sure the seasoning clings nicely. This step sets the stage for every bite to burst with zesty, savory flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for an irresistible golden crust and juicy tenderness inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it cozy while you get the sauce going.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
Lower the skillet heat to medium, then toss in the butter to melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute—just until fragrant and golden, but not browned. This quick step unlocks the aromatic backbone that will carry every other flavor in your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape to loosen up all those delicious browned bits (they’ll enrich the sauce). Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Let this glorious mixture simmer together for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. It should thicken slightly and fill your kitchen with an amazing lemony scent.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet, spooning plenty of the sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for an additional 2–3 minutes so every bite is infused with flavor and the sauce has thickened just enough. Sprinkle with parsley for a final flourish, and your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley makes each plate pop with fresh green color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra citrus flair, or even a little freshly grated Parmesan for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is wonderfully versatile! It pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, a swirl of pasta (like fettuccine or linguine), or a buttery pile of mashed potatoes. If you’re craving lighter fare, try it with sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines when artfully plated! Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of pasta with the sauce spooned over the top, or go family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic meal. For a dinner party twist, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens and lemon zest curls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prep or tomorrow’s lunch. Ensure the chicken stays submerged in the sauce for best results.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, allow the dish to cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, but a gentle reheat (and a quick whisk) usually brings everything back together. Store up to two months for easy future dinners.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just use medium power and stir halfway through to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicier, more flavorful option and work beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs may take a couple extra minutes, depending on their size.
How do I make a lighter version of Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken?
For a lighter spin, swap all or part of the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly thinner, but still deliciously creamy and satisfying, especially with the bright lemon flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Feel free to toss in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of simmering. Bonus: your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken becomes a complete one-pan meal.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane grater or zester to gently remove only the bright yellow peel, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Adding zest is the secret to that vibrant, fresh citrus pop in the sauce!
Is Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free (most are, but double-check labels to be sure).
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dinner that feels both effortless and elegant, Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken delivers every time. Give it a try and watch the smiles light up around your table—it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this savory Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious lemon cream sauce that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
- Sear Chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add broth, cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over. Simmer to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with desired accompaniment.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- To lighten, use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Enhance with spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
