Name: Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Optional garnish: extra thyme sprigs or lemon slices

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Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish I love making when I want something flavorful, bright, and satisfying. Tender, golden-seared chicken is coated in a luscious lemon cream sauce infused with fresh thyme, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like something I’d serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for its perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh, citrusy brightness. The lemon adds a light zing that cuts through the cream, and the thyme brings an earthy note that makes every bite feel cozy and complete. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, made in one pan, and pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme if needed)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Lemon juice and lemon zest
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)
Optional garnish: extra thyme or lemon slices

Directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. I sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Then I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then add fresh thyme.
I pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. I let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it, letting everything simmer together for a few more minutes.
If I’m using Parmesan, I stir it in at the end for extra creaminess.
I serve it warm, garnished with more thyme or lemon slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10–15 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 35–40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a handful of baby spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition.
For a lighter version, I’ve made it with half-and-half or coconut cream.
I switch up the herbs with rosemary or basil if I don’t have thyme on hand.
A dash of white wine added with the broth gives it an elegant touch.
I’ve used chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it. I don’t recommend freezing it, as cream sauces can separate when thawed. Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

FAQs

Can I use dried thyme?

Yes, I use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme if I don’t have fresh. It’s still delicious, though fresh gives it a brighter flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I check that the chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free, this dish works great for gluten-free diets.

What can I serve with this?

I usually pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables — the sauce is too good not to soak up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat gently before serving. It’s best served fresh, but leftovers still taste great.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

I lower the heat before adding the cream and avoid boiling it too hard — a gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and a little special. The sauce is velvety, bright, and herby, and the chicken comes out juicy every time. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing it with friends, this dish always delivers flavor and comfort in one beautiful skillet.