Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce. This meal stands out for its bright flavors and comforting qualities, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, this creamy lemon pepper skillet chicken will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

This dish is not only delicious but also offers several benefits that make it a must-try.

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup after dinner, making it convenient for any occasion.
• Flavorful Sauce: The zesty lemon cream sauce elevates the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best creamy lemon pepper skillet chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides enough space to cook the chicken evenly while allowing for easy sauce preparation.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through chicken breasts effortless and safe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken:

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

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. Avoid adding the lemon pepper seasoning at this stage to prevent burning during browning.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
1. Allow it to melt before adding minced shallots. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Once shallots are soft:
1. Sprinkle flour into the pan while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out any raw flour taste.
2. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Stir in half and half using a whisk until smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil briefly before reducing heat.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
1. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet.
1. Nestle cutlets into the creamy sauce.
2. Add lemon slices on top and allow everything to heat through.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

Garnish your creamy lemon pepper skillet chicken with fresh parsley or basil.
Sprinkle additional lemon pepper seasoning if desired before serving warm alongside your choice of sides like rice or pasta.

Enjoy this flavorful dish that brings comfort and elegance to any table!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is versatile and can be paired with various sides to enhance the meal. Here are some delicious ways to serve this dish.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice complements the creamy sauce beautifully, soaking up all the flavors.
• Lemon Herb Rice: Add fresh herbs and lemon zest to your rice for an extra zing that matches the chicken.

With Pasta

• Fettuccine: The wide noodles hold onto the sauce well, making each bite rich and satisfying.
• Penne: This pasta shape is perfect for trapping bits of chicken and sauce in its tubes.

With Vegetables

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the richness of the cream sauce.
• Sautéed Green Beans: Quick-cooked green beans add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

With Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Caesar Salad: The flavors in a Caesar salad pair nicely, adding a classic touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

To ensure your Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Thin Cutlets: Thin chicken cutlets cook evenly and quickly, ensuring they remain tender.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Control Heat Carefully: Adjust the heat when cooking chicken to avoid drying it out while achieving a golden crust.
• Add Fresh Herbs Last: Stir in fresh herbs at the end for maximum flavor without losing their brightness.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with lemony chicken.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy crunch that balances the richness of the main dish.
3. Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs complements both flavor and texture beautifully.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor to the plate.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a hint of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory chicken.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh, these noodles are a great low-carb option that absorbs flavors from the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides with kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many chicken cutlets at once can result in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets enough heat.
• Adding lemon pepper too early: Adding lemon pepper seasoning at the start can burn and alter the dish’s flavor. Wait until the sauce is nearly finished to incorporate it.
• Not scraping the pan: Failing to scrape up browned bits from the skillet can result in a less flavorful sauce. Use a whisk to deglaze the pan after adding broth.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the chicken well. Allow it to simmer longer until it thickens, giving a creamier texture for coating.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

• Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a one-pan dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a rich lemon cream sauce that is both tangy and savory.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or even use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on thickness.

What dishes pair well with Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables that can soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or asparagus for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute half and half with coconut milk or any dairy-free cream alternative for a similar texture without dairy.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is not only quick and easy but also impressively flavorful. This versatile dish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides to suit your taste!