Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce
Try this Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth (i recommend reduced sodium)
- 4-5 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- zest and juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp juice)
- 2 teaspoonsâ fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream1
- optional:â lemon slicesâ andâ more thymeâ for garnish
- Carbohydrate 1.43926979166307 g
- Cholesterol 15.2515624871071 mg
- Fat 6.61815520383124 g
- Fiber 0.232135420242945 g
- Protein 0.264624999949028 g
- Saturated Fat 3.76706208030291 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (19g)
- Sodium 41.5489582987995 mg
- Sugar 1.20713437142012 g
- Trans Fat 0.430508958002639 g
- Calories 65 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them down so they're all even. This way all the breasts will cook through simultaneously.
- Sprinkle each with salt and pepper.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning once. You want the chicken nice and browned on the outside. (It doesn't have to be cooked all the way through yet.)
- Set chicken on a plate and cover tightly with foil until step 5.
- Remove skillet from heat and add the broth, lemon zest & juice, onion, garlic, and thyme.
- Return to heat.
- Cook and stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring to a boil.
- Allow to boil gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to around 1/4 cup.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the cream and butter.
- Stir until butter has melted.
- Add chicken to the sauce and place the skillet in the preheated oven.
- Bake until the chicken is completely cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve chicken with sauce spooned on top and any of the listed optional garnishes.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat to your liking.
Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school runs, meetings, and the never-ending to-do list, sometimes the easiest option seems to be takeout or a quick microwave meal. But I’m a firm believer that nourishing, home-cooked food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce recipe is my go-to for those nights when I want something flavorful, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. The entire process takes place in one skillet, minimizing cleanup, which is a huge bonus in my book. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and fragrant thyme creates a symphony of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the instructions are straightforward enough for even a novice cook to master. The chicken breasts are first seared in a skillet to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, locking in the juices and ensuring a tender, flavorful result. Then, the magic happens: a quick sauce made from chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. This sauce is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to the dish, elevating it from a simple weeknight meal to something truly special. The addition of heavy cream and butter at the end creates a luscious, creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
I often serve this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. The roasted vegetables add a nice contrasting texture and flavor, while the salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and sauce. But honestly, this chicken is so flavorful that it’s delicious on its own. I’ve found that even my kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, love this recipe. And the best part? Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option. I often double the recipe and have enough leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
Tips and Variations:
For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For a richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
For a different herb profile: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or parsley.
Make it a complete meal: Serve the chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
This Skillet Chicken with Creamy Lemon Thyme Sauce is a recipe I've come to rely on time and time again. It's versatile, adaptable, and always delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. It's the kind of recipe that's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a casual dinner party. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most rewarding, and that even amidst a busy schedule, it’s possible to create a meal that's both nutritious and truly satisfying.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a testament to the power of simple cooking and the joy of creating a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones. It's a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we can take time to nourish ourselves, both physically and emotionally. And isn’t that something worth savoring? This isn’t just a chicken dish; it’s a symbol of nourishment, efficiency, and a love for good food.
