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    Home » Entree

    One Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken

    Published: Sep 18, 2020 Modified: Aug 25, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side view of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.
    Overhead shot of creamy lemon chicken garnished with herbs and lemon slices in a skillet with a spoon.
    Close up shot of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.
    Overhead shot of creamy lemon chicken garnished with herbs and lemon slices in a skillet with a spoon.
    Side view of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.
    Side shot of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.

    This creamy lemon chicken is made with lemony sauce over tender, juicy chicken breast, and it's ready in 20 minutes or less!

    Side shot of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.
    This unique creamy lemon chicken recipe is a great healthier dinner that the family will love!

    Update Notes:This post was originally published in June 2013, but was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in September 2020.

    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Why I love Creamy Lemon Chicken!
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 💭 Top Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍗 More Chicken Recipes
    • 🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Why I love Creamy Lemon Chicken!

    Creamy Lemon Chicken is a great recipe for those crazy evenings when you need something quick and easy. I love the lemony buttery creaminess of the sauce that this creates. It doesn’t look all that pretty, but boy does it have a lot of flavor!

    Pair it up with some whole grain noodles and a side veggie and you have an awesome, hot, homemade dinner on the table in minutes. And clean up is easy because all the cooking is done in one skillet!

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients- chicken, lemon juice, butter, flour, onion, and chicken broth.
    This recipe features ingredients that you probably already have!
    • chicken cutlets - easy to slice into strips for this recipe.
    • flour - ensures that the sauce coats the chicken well.
    • butter - gives this dish its creamy richness that makes it so delicious!
    • chopped onion - provides a bit of extra flavor and texture.
    • chicken broth - another part of the sauce which adds a chicken-y flavor and helps bring everything together.
    • lemon juice - balances out some of the onion and the saltiness from the broth.

    🔪 Instructions

    Six panel grid of process shots- breading chicken, combining ingredients in a pan, and cooking the chicken.
    This recipe only requires five minutes of prep time and minimal clean up!
    1. Cut the chicken cutlets into lengthwise strips and coat them with flour.
    2. Over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of your butter in a large skillet.
    3. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked through.
    4. Remove the chicken and add the onion to the skillet. Cook the onion until it starts to soften up.
    5. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring this to a boil. Simmer until your sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
    6. Add the other 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until everything is incorporated.
    7. Place the chicken back into the skillet and cook until the chicken is warmed through.

    👪 FAQs

    How should I store my leftover creamy lemon chicken?

    Allow the chicken to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last 3-4 days this way.

    Can I freeze my leftovers?

    Yes! Again, allow your dish to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. In the freezer, your chicken will last at last 2-3 months.

    How should I reheat my leftovers?

    Placing your chicken on a microwave-safe plate and zapping it for about a minute is a good starting point. If it's not hot enough after that, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals. From frozen, allow your creamy lemon chicken to thaw for a couple hours or overnight.

    Side view of creamy lemon chicken in a skillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs with a spoon.
    This creamy lemon chicken recipe is super unique and delicious!

    💭 Top Tips

    • This creamy lemon chicken works well on its own, but serve it on top of some whole grain noodles or brown rice to elevate the dish!
    • If you're looking to increase the health factor on this dish, try using a butter substitute instead of traditional butter. Your sauce should still be creamy, and it may taste a bit different but won't have quite as much fat from the butter.
    • This is meant to be a one skillet meal, so use the largest skillet you have for the most streamlined cooking process. However, if you still can't fit all the chicken in one layer, you can split it into two batches. Simply add a little more butter before doing the second batch.

    How do I buy the best chicken?

    • It’s important to look at the “best by” date, but also pay attention to the color. Your chicken should be a nice, healthy pink hue.
    • For the amount of chicken, this recipe calls for strips, so it’s best to buy only as many chicken cutlets or breasts as you’ll need. If you buy more but don’t plan on using the extra chicken right away, you can store it in the freezer for up to nine months.
    • If you’re storing raw chicken in the fridge, you should try to use it within 1 to 2 days.

    📖 Variations

    • If you're feeling fancy, use fresh lemon juice and top your chicken with some fresh lemon zest. You can even stir in some actual chunks of lemon during the final step for even more citrus-y flavor!
    • For extra nutrition, steam some broccoli or asparagus and toss it in the sauce with the chicken.
    • You can also throw in some extra spices and seasonings to adjust the flavor to your liking. Because the flavor of this dish is so creamy, it's easily adaptable. Try adding some garlic powder for a bit more bite, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
    • Add some herbs for even more flavor. Rosemary and thyme make a great addition, and topping with some chopped parsley not only gives the dish a fancy finish but adds a little bit of extra flavor.

    🍗 More Chicken Recipes

    If this creamy lemon chicken recipe has you in the mood for more poultry, here are more suggestions!

    Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
    Comforting and delicious this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is filled with vegetables and topped with a flaky crust. This is a family meal everyone loves!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
    Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
    A great one pot recipe and packed with flavor! Easy to make, with pantry ingredients, it's a delicious weeknight meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Side view of creamy coconut chicken curry in a brown bowl on a blue and grey surface with herbs sprinkled around.
    Mediterranean Chicken Bake
    This simple chicken recipe is loaded with Greek flavors and it's absolutely delicious! It's easy to make and results in super tender, juicy chicken infused with seasoning.
    Check out this recipe
    Side view of mediterranean chicken bake with a side of sliced tomato and greens on a white plate.
    Cheesy Chicken and Rice
    This crock pot chicken dish is extremely easy and a huge hit with the whole family. It makes enough for a two meals, plus an individual lunch or two!
    Check out this recipe
    Close up shot of cheesy chicken and rice on a brown plate, topped with chopped tomato.
    Classic Crispy Southern Fried Chicken | The Spruce Eats
    This is a basic Southern fried chicken recipe and the only one you will ever need. Chicken pieces are fried to perfection with a seasoned flour coating.
    Check out this recipe

    🥗 Suggested Side Dishes

    Round out your meal with one of these tasty side dishes!

    • Oven Fried Crispy Green Beans
    • Cornbread Casserole: Super Easy Potluck Dish
    • Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
    • Baked Dill Fries

    Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Overhead shot of creamy lemon chicken garnished with herbs and lemon slices in a skillet with a spoon.

    One Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    Creamy, lemony sauce over tender, juicy chicken breast, ready in 20 minutes or less!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share by Email Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Entree
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 316 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ½ pounds chicken cutlets or chicken breast
    • ¼ cup flour
    • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
    • ¼ cup chopped onion
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Cut chicken into strips lengthwise (you want strips that are about ⅓ inch thick) and coat with flour.
      1 ½ pounds chicken cutlets or chicken breast, ¼ cup flour
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and let it melt over medium-high heat.
      4 tablespoons butter
    • Add the chicken and cook, about 3 minutes on each side, until done.
    • Remove the chicken and add the onion to the skillet. Cook until it begins to soften.
      ¼ cup chopped onion
    • Add the chicken broth and lemon and bring to a boil. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 5 minutes.
      1 cup chicken broth, 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir until melted.
    • Place chicken back in the skillet and continue to heat until chicken is warmed through.

    Notes

    • The sauce will thicken upon standing, so don't worry if it seems a bit runny. However, if you think it needs to be a little thicker, dissolve a tablespoon of flour into two tablespoons of cold water and then slowly add to the simmering lemon-butter sauce while stirring.
    • The lemon adds a lot of flavor, but you can experiment with other variations as well. Try adding some black pepper, or some fresh rosemary or thyme. 
    • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
    • This dish reheats well in the microwave. Place chicken and sauce (thaw first in the fridge overnight if frozen) on a microwave safe plate, cover with a paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if heated through and microwave for additional time if needed.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 706mg | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 7.2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.9mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Like this recipe?Sign up here for my email list and receive new recipes to your inbox, plus a FREE recipe ebook!

    Check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    Happy cooking!


     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen

      June 20, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      Oh this looks good! Glad to be co hosting with you this month!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        June 21, 2013 at 4:09 pm

        Thanks Chandra! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Miss Messy

      June 17, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      Looks great 🙂 lovely presentation

      Reply
      • Kristin

        June 18, 2013 at 8:38 pm

        Thanks Miss Messy! I am having fun experimenting with different compositions, color palettes, and lighting arrangements. I never knew photography was so complicated (but also fun!)

        Reply

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    As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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