If you’re craving comfort food with a burst of freshness, Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is about to steal your heart (and your dinner plans!). With tender chicken breasts nestled in a silky, lemony sauce that’s flecked with black pepper and just a hint of Parmesan, this main course bridges the gap between zesty and indulgent in a way few dishes can. It’s the weeknight hero for anyone who loves quick, easy, and downright delicious meals that taste like they took hours. Let’s dive in!

Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken comes together with simple ingredients, and every one brings something special—be it flavor, richness, brightness, or texture. The best part? You probably have most of these on hand already!

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless for maximum tenderness and a quick cook time—perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and pulling out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The star of the show, bringing subtle heat and that signature peppery kick.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken and forms the base for building flavor in the skillet.
Garlic: Adds depth and a warm, savory aroma to the sauce—use fresh for best flavor.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and builds savory complexity into the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Delivers that velvety, indulgent texture in every bite, making the sauce absolutely crave-worthy.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Provides the perfect tang and brightness—you want the real thing for this dish!
Lemon Zest: Packs in even more citrusy aroma and flavor for a sunny finish.
Onion Powder: Infuses subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty depth and added creaminess.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Gives a fresh, colorful touch at the end—totally optional, but a lovely finish.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and then sprinkle them generously with salt and, of course, plenty of freshly ground black pepper. You want every bite packed with flavor, so don’t be shy—it’s the key to making this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken shine!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and let them sizzle undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden crust on both sides and fully cooked centers. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those brown bits are pure flavor!), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Pepper Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, and grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens and all those flavors marry into creamy elegance.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Spoon some sauce over the tops, then let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and every nook and cranny is coated in that dreamy sauce. If you like, shower everything with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is ready to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant green accent and a subtle herby freshness. For an extra pop, you could also add a twist of lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices right before serving. These simple finishing touches bring out the best in your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or al dente pasta all make wonderful companions. Add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of risotto or silky mashed potatoes for a restaurant-worthy plate. Serving individual portions in shallow bowls lets the sauce pool around the chicken—perfect for dipping crusty bread! Or, serve atop a bed of roasted vegetables for a lighter, low-carb twist on Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken keeps delightfully well. Let your chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a quick reheat restores its creamy glory.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the cream sauce may change a bit upon thawing. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container; freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For microwave reheating, cover and use 50 percent power for the most even results. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth while bringing your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this recipe—just keep in mind they might need a minute or two of extra cooking time to fully cook through.

How do I make the sauce more or less tangy?

The lemon juice is what gives Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken its tangy bite. For a milder version, reduce the lemon juice slightly; if you crave more zing, just add an extra squeeze to taste. You’re in the chef’s seat here!

Can I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half to lighten up the sauce. It won’t be quite as rich and velvety, but your Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken will still be packed with delicious flavor and silky texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is! All the standard ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and Parmesan to be sure—some store-bought options can contain gluten additives.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should be white throughout.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your dinner routine, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken. It’s cozy, quick, and unforgettably flavorful—certain to earn rave reviews from your family and yourself! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes a new favorite.

Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of tangy and savory, making it an ideal choice for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, lemon juice, zest, onion powder, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer until heated through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.