This Garlic Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce is a rich, creamy, and deeply savory dish with bold garlic flavor and a silky lemon finish. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for dinner guests—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Dream: Made with both minced and whole roasted garlic for depth and brightness.
- 🍋 Creamy & Zesty: The lemon cream sauce balances richness with a refreshing citrus punch.
- 🥘 Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25–30 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
- 🧑🍳 Comfort Meets Elegance: Great for family dinners or fancy occasions.
- 🌿 Versatile Serving: Goes well with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty baguette slices.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Garlic Chicken:
- 1½ lb chicken breast strips (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 5 cloves garlic , minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cloves garlic , left whole (for roasting or infusing oil)
- 1 large onion , chopped (about 1 cup)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Lemon Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water if using store-bought garlic base)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (enhances cream sauces – optional)
- Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or butter .
Add whole garlic cloves to the hot pan first and let them sizzle for 1–2 minutes to infuse the oil.
Remove the whole cloves or leave them in for extra aroma while cooking.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes , turning occasionally until golden brown and just cooked through.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
Step 3: Deglaze & Build the Sauce
Pour in ½ cup chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream , lemon juice , and zest (if using).
Add a pinch of nutmeg (optional) and season with salt and pepper .
Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes , stirring often, until thickened slightly.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any juices.
Simmer everything together for another 3–4 minutes , allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm over:
- Steamed rice
- Boiled pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread for dipping
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Butter for Extra Flavor: Swap olive oil for butter when sautéing garlic for richer flavor.
- 🥛 Lighter Sauce Option: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- 🍋 Lemon Boost: Add a splash of lemon at the end for a brighter finish.
- 🧄 Roast the Garlic First: For milder, sweeter flavor, roast the whole garlic cloves in foil before adding to the pan.
- 📦 Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days—reheat gently to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a balanced plate.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Great with white wine or a crisp green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4 – with heavy cream & chicken breasts):
(Without side dishes – approximate)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
This Garlic Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce is comfort food with a gourmet twist. With layers of roasted garlic, tender chicken, and a silky lemon finish—it’s a dish that brings warmth, richness, and brightness all in one bite.
So go ahead and give this a try… because once you taste that sauce—you won’t want to eat chicken any other way!
