If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, the Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe is the perfect choice. This meal combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s not just about taste; this recipe also delivers on convenience. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delectable dinner on the table in no time. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish showcases how easy it can be to create something truly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken will surely become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

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Ingredients for Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Use a store-bought blend or make your own by combining ground black pepper with lemon zest
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; consider using half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic enhances the overall taste of the dish
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the chicken and creating depth in flavors

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; chop it finely before adding it to your sauce

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your skillet over medium heat while seasoning the chicken breasts generously with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once heated, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring constantly to combine well.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about three minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in fresh parsley for added flavor before returning the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Coat each piece of chicken in the creamy sauce thoroughly. Allow everything to cook together for an additional two minutes so that flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce from the pan for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Pasta Pairing: Serve over pasta or rice to absorb excess sauce while adding heartiness

Enjoy preparing this tasty meal that’s sure to please!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe

This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.

Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or overnight for richer flavor. Store marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Storing: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator. Warm the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.

Suggestions for Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Choose the Right Chicken Cut

When making Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce, selecting the right chicken cut is essential. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are popular, but thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. If you choose breasts, avoid overcooking them to prevent dryness. Thighs are more forgiving but may take slightly longer to cook. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. This choice affects the texture and overall taste of your dish, so pick wisely based on your preference.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating is a crucial step in this recipe. The lemon juice and pepper should penetrate the chicken for maximum flavor. However, don’t marinate for too long—30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. If you leave it in the marinade overnight, the acidity may break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture. Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for better flavor. A simple marinade of lemon zest, juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper can elevate your dish significantly.

Cooking Temperature and Time

Getting the cooking temperature right is vital for achieving juicy chicken in your Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce recipe. Start by searing the chicken on medium-high heat to lock in juices before lowering the heat to finish cooking through. Typically, 6-8 minutes per side will work well but monitor closely as thickness affects cooking time. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken; hence using a meat thermometer is important here too. Aim for that golden-brown crust while keeping moisture locked inside.

Creamy Sauce Consistency

The creamy sauce elevates this dish but must achieve the right consistency. Too thick or too runny will affect how it coats your chicken. To avoid this pitfall, start with a base of heavy cream or sour cream mixed with garlic and lemon zest. Gradually add broth or stock until you reach your desired thickness while simmering gently. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer until reduced. Balancing flavors will enhance your creamy sauce significantly.

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftovers from Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce?

Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy your Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce later without losing flavor or texture. Place any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months if you want to save it longer. When reheating, do so gently on low heat either on the stovetop or in a microwave to maintain moisture levels and avoid drying out the chicken.

Can I use other herbs besides pepper in this recipe?

Absolutely! While black pepper is the star ingredient in Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor. Fresh herbs can provide a delightful contrast to the zesty lemon notes while enhancing overall aroma and appeal. Just remember that different herbs have varying strengths; adjust quantities accordingly so they complement rather than overpower your dish.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce can easily be made gluten-free by substituting any flour-based ingredients used in thickening the sauce with cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour if needed. Additionally, ensure that any broth or stock you use is certified gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten additives. Following these adjustments will allow everyone at your table to enjoy this flavorful dish without concerns about gluten.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare certain components of Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce ahead of time! Marinate your chicken a few hours before cooking for optimal flavors or even overnight if planned correctly. While it’s best to cook it fresh close to serving time for optimal taste and texture, you can reheat cooked chicken gently when ready to serve and pour over freshly prepared sauce when ready to eat.

Conclusion

In summary, mastering an Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce requires attention to detail throughout each step—from selecting quality chicken cuts and proper marination techniques to achieving perfect cooking temperatures and consistent sauce thickness. Avoid common pitfalls such as overcooking and improper storage by following these guidelines carefully. With just a few adjustments and careful preparation, you’ll create a delicious meal full of vibrant flavors that everyone will love! Enjoy experimenting with variations while keeping this classic dish at its core!

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Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce is a flavorful and effortless dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer for 3 minutes.
4. Add chopped parsley and return chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot, drizzling extra sauce over each portion.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce option. Pair with fresh salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.