Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken cutlets cooked in a creamy, flavorful lemon garlic sauce. With simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs, this dish offers a bright and savory flavor perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (about 1 pound, organic if possible)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. If using full breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. If you already have cutlets, skip this slicing step. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the center should no longer be pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it is lightly browned and aromatic. Pour in the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Turn each piece to coat in the lemon garlic sauce and warm through for about 1 minute per side. Serve immediately while hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic rather than powdered or bottled alternatives.
- Serve with your choice of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complement the creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it slightly longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
