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Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken
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Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts in a luscious lemon-thyme cream sauce bursting with fresh citrus and herbal flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish offers a perfect balance of rich creaminess and bright zest, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Versatile and comforting yet light, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a favorite for meal prep and family meals alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, plus extra for sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 4–5 thyme sprigs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Create the Lemon Thyme Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt, about 30 seconds. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, chicken broth, and fresh thyme sprigs, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and blend the flavors.
  3. Add the Cream and Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and lemon zest, simmering gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. For an optional boost of flavor, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the luscious lemon thyme cream sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat through together for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and thyme for the best flavor.
  • Deglaze the pan with broth or lemon juice to incorporate browned bits into the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, thin it with additional broth or cream.
  • Let the chicken rest briefly before serving to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken, lemon chicken, thyme chicken, creamy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, gluten free chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-lemon-thyme-chicken/