One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

4.91 from 871 votes

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Say hello to your new favorite one skillet chicken dinner that's topped with a lemon garlic butter cream sauce! I used thin chicken breasts but this recipe would be delicious with boneless chicken thighs too!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: 30 Minute Meals

Keyword: 30 minute meals, basil, butter sauce, chicken, chicken breast, comfort food, cream sauce, garlic sauce, Italian, lemon, one pan, one skillet, parsley

Servings: servings

Calories: 302kcal

Author: Marzia

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
salt and pepper
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅓ cup finely diced shallots or red onions
2 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
Prepared broccolini for serving

Instructions

Using a mallet, pound down the chicken breasts/thighs into ½ inch thickness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
In a 2 cup measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and allow it to brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Don't worry if the chicken isn't cooked thoroughly; we'll finish it in the oven. Remove the chicken to a plate.
Reduce the flame to medium, and add the shallots to the skillet along with the chicken broth mixture. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan so all the brown bits are loosened. Kick the heat back up to medium-high and let sauce come to a simmer. Continue to cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes or until about ⅓ cup of the sauce remains.
When the sauce has thickened, remove from the flame, add the butter and whisk until it melts completely. With the skillet off the flame, add the heavy cream, whisk to combine. Place the skillet back over the flame for just 30 seconds, DO NOT allow the sauce to boil.
Remove from heat, add the chicken back into the pan and drizzle the sauce over the chicken.
Place the skillet in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through.
Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm with additional lemon slices. Serve with prepared rice, pasta, or sauteed veggies on the side.

Notes

Use boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs that about the same thickness. I pounded mine down to about ½ inch.
After a few comments from readers, I've adjusted the amount of time it takes to reduce the sauce (step #5). Keep in mind, the key is to reduce it to ⅓ cup and that I can only provide an estimate. It may take you more or less time than what is actually listed.

Nutrition