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Baked Zucchini Parmesan slices topped with melted mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Layla

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

This quick and easy Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken delivers tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, tangy sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 large or 4 small
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pound them lightly to an even thickness of about 0.75 inch. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
  3. Whisk in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Continue to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon herb sauce over them. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative and full-fat coconut milk (from a can) instead of heavy cream. It will have a slightly different flavor profile but still be delicious.
Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or oregano. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh herb measurement.
Serving suggestion: This chicken is fantastic over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside some steamed asparagus or green beans to soak up all that wonderful sauce.