Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zest of fresh lemons with the creaminess of a rich sauce. This meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering with friends. The quick cooking time and one-pan preparation make cleanup a breeze, while the burst of flavor from the lemon and garlic will leave everyone asking for more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Finish the Dish
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• With Fresh Salad
• Over Pasta
• With Rice
• On Toast or Crostini
• How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Reheating Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?
• Can I use other cuts of chicken?
• How can I customize this recipe?
• What should I serve with this dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less time cleaning up means more time to enjoy your meal with family or friends.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to suit your taste.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Enjoy a delightful mix of creamy textures and zesty lemon flavors in every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: Perfectly cooked chicken nestled in a luscious sauce makes for an eye-catching dish.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and provides enough space to simmer the sauce without splatter.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing chicken cutlets easy and efficient.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve a smooth sauce by preventing clumps when mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total), sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thin chicken cutlets
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Coarsely ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

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How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper. It’s best not to add lemon pepper seasoning at this stage to avoid burning when browning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. If your skillet is small, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet.
1. Once melted, sauté minced shallot for 1-2 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle flour into the pan; stir constantly for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
1. Stir in half and half, whisking until smooth.
2. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat; let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning; taste and adjust if needed.
1. Return cooked chicken along with any juices back into skillet, nestling cutlets into sauce.
2. Add lemon slices to pan; allow chicken to heat through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm. Optionally sprinkle additional lemon pepper seasoning if desired.

Enjoy your Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Over Pasta

• Linguine – Toss the chicken and sauce over cooked linguine for a delightful pasta dish.
• Fettuccine – The wide noodles hold onto the rich sauce perfectly for a satisfying meal.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fragrant rice that absorbs the lemon cream sauce well.
• Herb Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice mixed with herbs enhances the flavors of the chicken.

On Toast or Crostini

• Garlic Bread – Serve the chicken on slices of garlic bread for an easy appetizer or snack.
• Crostini – Top toasted baguette slices with chicken and sauce for a fancy hors d’oeuvre.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Perfecting your Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips for great results every time.

• Use Thin Cutlets – Thin cutlets cook evenly and quickly, ensuring tenderness.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce – Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened for depth of flavor.
• Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning gradually to find the perfect balance of flavors.
• Let Chicken Rest – Resting after cooking keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
• Garnish Generously – Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness and color to your dish.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken enhances the meal experience. Here’s a list of delicious options that work well together.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes seasoned with garlic make a hearty complement.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Bright green asparagus adds crunch and nutritional value to your plate.
3. Sautéed Spinach – Quickly sautéed spinach provides a healthy, vibrant side.
4. Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious twist.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast in texture.
6. Couscous – Light and fluffy couscous is an easy side that soaks up sauces beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many chicken cutlets at once, they won’t brown properly. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Adding Lemon Seasoning Too Early: Introducing lemon pepper seasoning at the beginning can cause it to burn. Add it later in the cooking process for better flavor.
• Skipping the Resting Step: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier cutlet. Don’t skip this step!
• Not Tasting the Sauce: Failing to taste and adjust your sauce can lead to unbalanced flavors. Always taste before serving and adjust as necessary.
• Using Thick Chicken Pieces: Thick pieces may not cook evenly. Cut your chicken into thin cutlets for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the dish cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich lemon cream sauce.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor!

What should I serve with this dish?

Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables to soak up that creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors that make it perfect for any occasion. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests, allowing for plenty of customization based on your preferences. Give it a try—you’re sure to love it!