Name: Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; Red pepper flakes to taste

If you're craving a comforting meal that's bursting with bright flavors, this Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe is a total winner. Creamy, tangy, and packed with garlic goodness, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. Stick with me, and I'll walk you through exactly how to nail it at home.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - The image shows three pieces of cooked chicken placed on a white bowl, each piece topped with a small slice of lemon. The chicken is covered with a light brown sauce that looks shiny and smooth, with bits of black pepper and small green herbs scattered on top. The sauce pools around the chicken pieces, adding a glossy finish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce—it elevates simple chicken breasts into something restaurant-worthy in just 20 minutes. The sauce hits that perfect balance of creamy and zesty, and the garlic adds just the right amount of punch.

Fast and Easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor Without Fuss: The lemon, honey, and garlic blend creates layers of flavor that don’t feel heavy despite the creamy sauce.
Impress Without Stress: It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s really forgiving and straightforward to make.
Flexible and Adaptable: You can easily tweak the sauce or the seasoning to suit your taste or any dietary needs.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - The image shows several cooked chicken pieces, each topped with a small lemon slice and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The chicken has a shiny, slightly browned surface with a light golden color and some black pepper visible. There is a light sauce around the chicken, which adds a glossy look and pools gently under the pieces. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every element in this Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe serves a purpose—from the tender chicken breasts that soak up the sauce perfectly, to the simple sauce ingredients that marry bright acidity with creamy richness. Here’s why each one matters, plus a couple of shopping tips.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Flat lay of four plump, raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, fresh bright yellow lemon halves and wedges showing juicy pulp, a small pile of finely minced white garlic cloves, a few dollops of rich golden butter, glossy green sprigs of fresh parsley, a small heap of golden honey glistening under the light, scattered red pepper flakes adding tiny red specks, and a thin stream of clear golden olive oil arranged naturally with soft shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken Breasts: I like boneless, skinless breasts because they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully. Pound them to an even thickness for quick, consistent cooking.
Butter and Olive Oil: Butter brings richness and depth, while olive oil helps the chicken brown without burning. The combo is magic for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key—pressed or finely chopped is best to get that punchy, mellow garlic flavor in the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must here. It brightens the sauce and balances the cream perfectly.
Honey: Just a touch to round out the acidity of the lemon and add a subtle sweetness—don't skip this!
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce. Homemade is ideal if you have it, but store-bought works well too.
Heavy Cream: This transforms the bright sauce into a silky, luscious coating for the chicken.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for that slight heat that wakes up all the flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning done right makes all the difference in bringing flavors together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary when I have it on hand to deepen the herbal notes in the sauce, but honestly, this recipe stands on its own beautifully. You can dress it up or down depending on your mood or pantry.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicier and the sauce clings even better. Give it a try if you prefer dark meat!
Low Carb: Skip the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener if you’re watching carbs. The sauce still tastes fantastic.
Make it Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and butter with olive oil to make this dairy-free friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

Start by wrapping the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and gently pounding them to about ½ inch thick. This little trick helps them cook evenly and stay tender—not dry or overcooked on the edges, which I’ve definitely been guilty of before learning this method!

Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry—that’s key to getting a nice golden crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You want that beautiful brown sear before flipping.

Step 3: Finish Cooking and Remove Chicken

Turn the heat down to medium and flip the chicken breasts. Cover the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the juices run clear. I always use a meat thermometer—no guesswork! Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Luscious Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those browned bits!), stir together chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Scrape the bottom gently to release all those flavor-packed bits. Let it simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Coat the Chicken

Stir in the heavy cream and cook just until the sauce thickens slightly—about 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon that sauce over it so everything is coated in creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Serve It Up Warm and Fresh

Serve immediately, ideally with fresh lemon wedges to brighten things up even more. I like to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top, but that’s entirely optional.

Top Tip

From my many attempts perfecting this Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe, a few tips can really make your life easier and your dish shine.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents those dreaded chewy edges.
Don’t Skip Browning: That golden crust not only tastes amazing but adds an essential layer of flavor to the sauce.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the foolproof way to avoid under- or overcooked chicken.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Keep the heat moderate to let flavors meld without breaking the cream or burning the garlic.

How to Serve Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, which melts slightly into the sauce and adds a salty hint that's just delicious.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs unbelievably well with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or even a simple side of garlic sautéed spinach. I also love serving it over buttery egg noodles or alongside a crisp green salad for lighter fare.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes plate the chicken on a bed of creamy risotto and drizzle the sauce artistically around it. Adding thin lemon slices or edible flowers brings a wow factor that guests appreciate—and it's surprisingly easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge; you can loosen it with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

This Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Just let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and avoid breaking it. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps get that luscious texture back. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful not to overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and have a richer flavor, which complements the lemon garlic cream sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they're cooked through.

How do I make sure the sauce doesn't separate?

To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling it once you add the cream. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir frequently. Also, adding the cream last and gently combining it helps prevent separation.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ingredients ahead, but I recommend cooking just before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, you can make it fully and gently reheat leftovers, adding a bit of broth or cream if needed.

What sides go best with chicken in lemon garlic cream sauce?

Sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad pair wonderfully. The sauce is rich and tangy, so lighter, fresh sides balance the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s quick, satisfying, and always impresses whoever I share it with. I really hope that by following these steps, you’ll end up with a dinner that feels both cozy and a little luxurious—perfect for any day you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Happy cooking!