Description
Simple Dinner That Feels Like a Treat with creamy lemon herb chicken! Whip up this comforting dish effortlessly for a weeknight win. So easy, so delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Flavor Foundation:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken:: First things first, pat those chicken breasts really, really dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is where I always go wrong if I rush! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. You want a nice crust, and moisture is the enemy of crispy. Slice them horizontally if they’re super thick, aiming for about an inch or so, so they cook evenly. I’ve definitely had unevenly cooked chicken because I skipped this, oops!
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the chicken. Don’t crowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown. This is where the magic starts to happen! You’ll smell that delicious browning, and honestly, it’s the best part. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside; it won’t be fully cooked yet, and that’s okay!
- Build the Flavor Base:: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point! It fills the whole kitchen and just makes you happy. Be super careful not to burn the garlic; I’ve done that, and it ruins everything, trust me!
- Make the Creamy Sauce:: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly. Next, stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s beautifully creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Simmer & Finish for Your Simple Dinner That Feels Like a Treat:: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that glorious sauce. Add the fresh lemon juice. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all those amazing flavors. This is where I often taste and adjust the seasonings, maybe a little more salt, maybe another squeeze of lemon. It’s all about what tastes good to you!
- Garnish & Serve:: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Look at that gorgeous dish! The vibrant green against the creamy sauce? Stunning. Serve immediately, perhaps over some pasta or with a crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.