Lemon garlic chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is a zesty dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy lemon and garlic sauce, enhanced with spices and shallots. Perfect for any meal, it's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

12 Nov 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

8 chicken breasts
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp garlic
1/2 tsp red pepper (spice)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots
2 tbsp salted butter
3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp basil

Lemon garlic chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal. This recipe pairs tender chicken breasts with a tangy lemon and garlic sauce, enhanced with aromatic spices and creamy textures. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its balanced flavors and simplicity.

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of white pepper, ensuring even coverage.

2. Searing the Chicken:
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Shallots and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

4. Creating the Sauce:
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Combining Chicken with Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and submerged slightly into the sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Finishing Touch:
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate and cover them with foil to keep warm.
- Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to the sauce. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil, stirring it into the sauce for a fragrant finish.

7. Serving:
- Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve immediately.

Your lemon garlic chicken is now ready to serve! This delightful dish combines the tartness of lemon with the pungency of garlic, all complemented by a creamy and savory sauce. It's perfect alongside steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice. Enjoy this easy-to-make yet sophisticated meal with your loved ones!

Lemon garlic chicken FAQ:

How long do I bake the lemon garlic chicken?

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream in this recipe?

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, use unsweetened almond milk with a thickener like cornstarch.

How should I store leftover lemon garlic chicken?

Store leftover lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

What can I serve with lemon garlic chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce also complements pasta nicely.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, ensuring it's taken at the thickest part of the breast.

Tips:

- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the lemon juice and garlic mixture for at least an hour before cooking.

- While cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are not overcrowded in the pan so they brown evenly.

- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more vibrant and natural lemon flavor.

- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as necessary to suit your palate.

- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 390kcal
Protein 55g
Carbohydrates 3.56g
Fiber 0.52g
Sugar 1.96g
Fat 22g

Lemon garlic chicken