Description
Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is a one-pan dish featuring golden-seared chicken in a bright and velvety lemon thyme cream sauce. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknights and special dinners.
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
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme and stir briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over it and simmer for 3–5 more minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.
- Use coconut cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Swap thyme with rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Deglaze with white wine for extra depth.
- Chicken thighs add more juiciness than breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
