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Creamy Lemon Chicken

5 from 4 votes
This creamy lemon chicken is an easy one-pan dinner made with tender pan-seared chicken and a rich lemon cream sauce. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
creamy lemon chicken in a skillet with a rich lemon cream sauce, lemon slices, and fresh parsley
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

For the Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

  • Horizontally slice each chicken breast through the center to create four even cutlets.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pat the chicken dry, then dredge each piece lightly in the flour mixture.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden on the outside and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the Dijon mustard, stirring until smooth. Let the sauce reduce for 3–4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  • Stir in the fresh lemon juice and let the sauce simmer briefly. The lemon brightens the creamy sauce and gives it a fresh, balanced flavor.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and rich.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the creamy lemon sauce.
  • Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Slice the chicken evenly so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest give the sauce its bright flavor.
  • This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.