Looking for a dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table? This creamy lemon pepper chicken is the answer! It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a zesty twist on classic chicken recipes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Imagine perfectly cooked chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemony sauce, seasoned with the aromatic notes of pepper. It’s a dish that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Flavorful Harmony of Ingredients
The creamy lemon pepper chicken showcases a wonderful blend of flavors that captivates the palate. Starting with tender chicken breasts, this dish comes alive with the addition of a rich lemon sauce, which harmonizes beautifully with the subtle heat of black pepper.
This combination creates a delightful balance, where zesty citrus meets creamy richness, perfect for a comforting meal. The use of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth to the sauce, making each bite a savory experience.
A Simple Yet Impressive Dish
Crafting the creamy lemon pepper chicken doesn’t require extensive culinary skills. With just a few ingredients, anyone can whip up this dish in less than 30 minutes.
The process begins with seasoning the chicken breasts, which are then seared to golden perfection. This technique locks in the juices, ensuring every piece remains succulent throughout the cooking process. The sauce, made from heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, comes together quickly in the same skillet, creating a seamless cooking experience.
Perfect Pairings for Your Meal
This dish shines when served over a bed of fluffy white rice, which acts as the perfect vessel for the luscious sauce. Each grain absorbs the creamy lemon goodness, elevating the meal to new heights.
Alternatively, pasta can also be a great accompaniment, offering a different texture while still soaking up that delightful sauce. Freshly chopped parsley serves as a vibrant garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh hint of flavor that brightens each serving.
Timing and Serving Suggestions
Preparing this dish is efficient, with a total time of around 30 minutes from start to finish, including both prep and cooking time. This makes it an excellent option for weeknight dinners or special occasions where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Expect to serve four generous portions, making it a practical choice for family meals or entertaining guests. The combination of flavors and appealing presentation will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Nutritional Insights
This creamy lemon pepper chicken packs a flavorful punch while being relatively balanced in terms of nutrition. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying main course.
The fat content, primarily from the heavy cream and olive oil, stands at 35 grams, providing a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences while still delivering on taste.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider using fresh lemons for juice and zest. The freshness enhances the dish significantly compared to bottled alternatives.
Also, be mindful of the cooking time when searing the chicken; overcooking can lead to dryness. Ensuring the chicken is cooked just right will keep it juicy, allowing the sauce to shine as the star of the plate. Enjoying this creamy lemon pepper chicken is not just about taste; it’s about the delightful experience of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.
The Ultimate Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken
This creamy lemon pepper chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, cream, and a touch of black pepper. The taste is a delightful balance of citrusy brightness and creamy comfort, making it a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy lemon sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, ideally with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
