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Creamy Skillet Lemon Chicken

Tender, pan-seared thin chicken breasts in a silky lemon cream cheese sauce ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 thin chicken breasts approx. 1 1/2 lb total
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt to season chicken
  • black pepper to season chicken and additional 1/2 tsp for sauce
  • garlic powder to season chicken
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2/3-1 cup chicken broth use 2/3 cup for deglazing and more as needed to thin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 oz cream cheese full fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • chopped parsley optional, for garnish
  • lemon zest optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Pat the thin chicken breasts dry with paper towel and season both sides evenly with the sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed 4–5 minutes until it releases easily and is browned, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (longer if pieces are thicker).
  • Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.
  • Reduce heat to medium and pour in 2/3 cup chicken broth, scraping the pan bottom to deglaze and incorporate browned bits.
  • Add the butter and let it melt; when it is just bubbling, stir in the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk in the cream cheese until melted and smooth, adding additional chicken broth (up to 1 cup total) as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  • Remove the pan from heat, stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece to coat; warm briefly if needed and serve garnished with chopped parsley and lemon zest.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Knife and cutting board
  • instant-read thermometer (optional)

Notes

  • Allow the pan and oil to get very hot for a good sear.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese to prevent curdling.
  • Whisk the cream cheese thoroughly until the sauce is smooth.
  • Thin chicken breasts (≤1/2 inch) cook in the stated time.
  • If chicken pieces are thicker, increase cook time until internal temperature is 165°F.