Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This one-pan meal features tender chicken cutlets in a luscious lemon cream sauce, making it both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe stands out with its bright flavors and ease of preparation.

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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: Sauté Aromatics
• Step 4: Make the Sauce
• Step 5: Finish with Lemon Flavor
• Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• With Rice
• With Pasta
• With Vegetables
• With Salad
• How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Reheating Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What side dishes pair well with Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?
• Can I use other meats for this recipe?
• How do I make this dish spicier?
• Can I prepare Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken ahead of time?
• Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
• Flavorful Sauce: The creamy lemon sauce combines rich and tangy flavors that elevate the chicken, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies to soak up the savory sauce for a complete meal experience.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices, it looks beautiful on any table, perfect for entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken cutlets evenly while allowing room for the creamy sauce.
• Tongs: Make it easy to flip the chicken without losing juices or texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent flavor.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when making the sauce.

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 with kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper. Avoid adding lemon pepper seasoning at this stage to prevent burning during browning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium-low.
1. Add butter to the skillet until melted.
2. Sauté minced shallot for 1-2 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the pan while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
1. Pour in chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Stir in half and half until smooth; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and let simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon Flavor

Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet.
1. Nestle cutlets into sauce and add lemon slices.
2. Allow chicken to heat through before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle with additional lemon pepper seasoning if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – This fragrant rice complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Lemon Herb Rice – Cook rice with lemon zest and fresh herbs for added flavor.

With Pasta

• Fettuccine – Toss cooked fettuccine in the lemon cream sauce for a delightful combination.
• Penne Arrabbiata – The spicy tomato sauce contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Broccoli – The charred edges of broccoli add depth to your plate.
• Sautéed Spinach – Quick-cooked spinach adds a fresh element and vibrant color.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad – The crunch of romaine and the tangy dressing balance the rich chicken.
• Greek Salad – Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

To make your Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Thin Cutlets – Thin chicken cutlets ensure even cooking and quicker preparation time.
• Season at the Right Time – Avoid adding lemon pepper seasoning too early to prevent burning during cooking.
• Scrape the Pan – De-glazing the pan after cooking chicken helps incorporate those delicious browned bits into your sauce.
• Simmer for Thickness – Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it nicely while enhancing flavor.
• Garnish Generously – A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens up the dish visually and taste-wise.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Choosing the right side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic pair perfectly with the lemony sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light salad with quinoa, vegetables, and a zesty dressing complements the dish well.
3. Grilled Asparagus – Charred asparagus adds an elegant touch and a slight crunch.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy slaw brings freshness and texture, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
5. Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous with herbs and nuts provides a nutty flavor that enhances every bite.
6. Crusty Bread – Serve warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce for ultimate satisfaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect your dish’s outcome. Keep these tips in mind to ensure success.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with kosher salt and pepper before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many chicken cutlets at once can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure perfect browning.
• Adding lemon too early: Adding lemon juice too soon can result in a burnt taste. Wait until after you’ve created the creamy sauce to add this ingredient for optimal flavor.
• Neglecting to scrape the pan: Failing to scrape up browned bits from the skillet can mean missing out on extra flavor. Make sure to deglaze the pan with broth after cooking the chicken.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out, leading to dry meat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it for storage.

Freezing Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What side dishes pair well with Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken?

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

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute turkey or pork cutlets as alternatives.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, consider including crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicy lemon pepper seasoning blend.

Can I prepare Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep your ingredients ahead and cook just before serving for maximum freshness.

Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream for half-and-half and serve it with steamed vegetables instead of rice or pasta for a low-carb meal.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. This one-pan wonder is sure to impress at dinner parties while still being simple enough for weeknight meals. Give it a try!