Lemon Cream Chicken Recipe

Oh, wow. You have to try this lemon cream chicken recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!

I’ve made this dish so many times, and it never fails. The sauce is silky smooth, the chicken is juicy, and that bright lemony kick? Absolute perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

Want a quick dinner that tastes fancy? This recipe is your new best friend. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.

Grab your skillet, and let’s make this together. You won’t believe how easy and delicious it is. Get ready for a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Buttery Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a vibrant touch, while butter and crème fraîche create a velvety sauce.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture, resulting in succulent, flavorful meat.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything is cooked in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings. If cooking for a larger group, simply double the ingredients.

Difficulty Level

Easy enough for home cooks but impressive enough for entertaining.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish effortlessly, gather these kitchen essentials:

• Large Skillet (or Cast-Iron Pan): Ensures even cooking and develops a golden sear.
• Tongs: Helps handle the chicken easily.
• Zester: Essential for extracting fresh lemon zest.
• Citrus Juicer: Maximizes the juice from fresh lemons.
• Whisk: Helps blend the creamy sauce smoothly.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Chicken

Each ingredient plays a role in enhancing the dish’s balance of flavors and textures.

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich base flavor and helps sear the chicken to a golden-brown crust.
• Butter: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and adds a hint of richness.
• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for absorbing the creamy lemon sauce.
• Coarse Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Infuses the dish with aromatic, earthy notes.
• Lemon (Juice & Zest): The star ingredient, lending freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Crème Fraîche: A creamy, tangy element that elevates the sauce’s texture and depth.

How to Make Lemon Cream Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful, creamy chicken dish with a perfectly balanced citrusy touch.

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Pat dry the chicken thighs using a paper towel. This step ensures a perfect sear.
• Season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
• Zest the lemon before juicing it, as zest is easier to remove from a whole lemon. Set both aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down.
• Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.
• Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate (it will finish cooking later).

3. Build the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining ½ tablespoon butter.
• Add fresh thyme sprigs and let them sizzle for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
• Pour in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. This adds depth to the sauce.

4. Simmer and Cook the Chicken

• Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet.
• Reduce heat to low and cover the pan, allowing the chicken to simmer in the lemony sauce for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.

5. Finish the Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and remove the chicken thighs from the skillet. Place them on a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Stir in ½ cup crème fraîche into the lemon sauce, whisking continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over each piece.
• Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few options:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over smooth mashed potatoes.
• Rice or Orzo: A light, fluffy grain that soaks up the rich flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for scooping up the sauce!

Storing and Reheating Lemon Cream Chicken

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will loosen when reheated.

Freezing

• While the chicken itself can be frozen, the sauce may separate due to the crème fraîche. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain a creamy texture.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Boneless Chicken: Swap bone-in thighs for boneless skinless thighs or chicken breasts (adjust cooking time accordingly).
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of crème fraîche for a dairy-free alternative.
• Extra Garlic Flavor: Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the lemon juice.
• More Herbs: Try adding fresh rosemary or parsley for an herbal twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	11g
Fiber	0.5g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	350mg

(Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time since boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in pieces.

What can I use instead of crème fraîche?
Sour cream or heavy cream work as substitutes, but crème fraîche provides the best tangy flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If needed, add a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water).

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, bright citrus, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite.