If you’re looking for a dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Lemon Pepper Chicken: Easy Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a luscious creamy lemon pepper sauce create a perfect balance of zesty brightness and rich indulgence. This recipe is a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t want to spend all evening cooking. Plus, it hits all the right notes with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy sauce that ties everything together perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: Using thinly sliced pieces ensures quick cooking and tenderness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor but keep it balanced especially with seasoned lemon pepper.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy base for searing without overpowering the dish.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth, used in two stages for flavor layering.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the lemony notes.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory backbone without heaviness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Lemon pepper: The star seasoning, providing a zesty peppery brightness that ties the entire dish together.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken: Easy Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that you have four thinner pieces. This step is crucial because thinner chicken cooks faster and stays tender. After slicing, sprinkle the chicken with salt, but keep in mind that some lemon pepper blends already contain salt, so a light hand is best here.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Add the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter to a skillet and heat it over medium-high. Letting the pan warm up properly ensures a beautiful sear that locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust on the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet and sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This step is all about developing golden color and sealing in moisture. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest — don’t skip this!
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and then sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Cook this mixture for around 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally, to get rid of the raw flour taste and build a roux, which thickens the sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Whisk in Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and lemon pepper seasoning. Whisk everything together for about a minute until the flour is fully dissolved and the sauce starts to thicken. This step transforms simple ingredients into a silky, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Allow it to cook gently in the sauce for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep an eye on the heat—aim for a gentle bubble rather than a vigorous boil to develop the best texture and flavor.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the dish a taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. At this point, your creamy, tangy, and peppery chicken is ready to be enjoyed immediately!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken: Easy Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the creaminess beautifully. A few lemon wedges on the side also allow anyone who loves an extra citrus kick to customize their plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For a comforting, hearty meal, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even garlic pasta to soak up every drop of that silky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken atop a bed of wilted spinach or sautéed kale for contrast in textures and colors. Drizzle a few drops of extra virgin olive oil or a light lemon vinaigrette around the plate edges to elevate the presentation and add a subtle zing to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
This creamy chicken dish freezes well, though the texture of the sauce might slightly change. To freeze, store portions in freezer-safe containers with plenty of sauce to help keep the chicken moist. Use within 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring the sauce occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling and the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts work great for quick cooking and tenderness, you can also use chicken thighs sliced thinly. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and juicy.
Is the lemon pepper seasoning easy to make at home?
Yes, lemon pepper seasoning is simple to make with just lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and salt. Making your own allows you to control the salt level, which can be helpful especially when combining with this creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch can be used if you do not have heavy cream. Just keep in mind the sauce may be a little less rich and creamy but will still taste great.
How spicy is the lemon pepper chicken?
The dish has a gentle peppery zing balanced by lemony brightness, but it’s not spicy hot. If you want more heat, you can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Chicken: Easy Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes Recipe is a real keeper — fast, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. Give it a try soon and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that come from this irresistibly creamy lemon pepper sauce paired with tender chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Lemon Pepper Chicken: Easy Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and creamy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a luscious lemon pepper cream sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt, being careful not to over-season since some lemon pepper blends contain salt.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the pan to heat for a few minutes until the butter melts and the oil is hot.
- Sear the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Cook while stirring frequently for 30 seconds to 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon pepper seasoning. Continue whisking for about a minute until the flour is fully dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Finish cooking chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Let it simmer gently for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened. Reduce heat if the sauce is boiling too vigorously to maintain a gentle bubble.
- Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve the lemon pepper chicken immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the top for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked at 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- If lemon pepper seasoning contains salt, adjust added salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- The sauce thickens upon standing; reheat gently if making ahead.
