Description
Succulent Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken promises a Mediterranean-inspired journey of flavor and comfort. Zesty seasonings and rich cream sauce combine for a quick, elegant dinner that satisfies both kitchen novices and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them completely dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides with a blend of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and gently melt butter, creating a smooth cooking base.
- Add minced garlic to the butter, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning, approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning, creating a fragrant liquid foundation.
- Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly reduce for 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Whisk in heavy cream and finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious lemon pepper cream sauce before serving.
Notes
- Perfectly sear chicken by using a hot, dry skillet and avoiding overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
- Enhance the dish’s protein content by using Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier twist.
- Maximize flavor development by letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a more tender, succulent result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg