Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is the perfect one-pan dinner, inspired by the flavors of other favorite dishes like cilantro lime chicken and creamy garlic chicken. It’s a simple, flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken cooked in a creamy, zesty lemon thyme sauce. The best part? Everything is prepared in just one pan, making it a stress-free dinner option with minimal cleanup.

One-Pan Wonder

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Start by browning the chicken on the stovetop, then finish it in the oven with a rich, creamy lemon sauce. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the process is easy, and the results are delicious. The combination of lemon and thyme adds freshness and brightness to the rich, buttery sauce, making it perfect to pair with sides like rice, vegetables, or potatoes.

Perfect for Any Night of the Week

This dish is versatile and can be made with either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on what you have on hand. The creamy sauce, infused with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh thyme, complements the chicken perfectly, creating a satisfying, comforting meal that feels fancy enough for a weekend but easy enough for a weeknight.

Get ready to impress with this flavorful, creamy chicken dinner that comes together quickly and effortlessly!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

This Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful sauce and tender, juicy chicken. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Both work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken before cooking.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken, giving it a nice golden-brown color.

For the Lemon Thyme Sauce:

• Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the sauce and adds savory flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – The fresh lemon brings brightness and zestiness to the creamy sauce. You’ll need both the juice and the zest for full lemony flavor.
• Onion – Chopped onion adds a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a robust, savory flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste.
• Fresh Thyme – Thyme is a key flavor in this dish, adding earthy, herbal notes that pair beautifully with the lemon and cream.
• Heavy Cream – Creates the rich, creamy consistency of the sauce.
• Butter – Adds extra richness and a silky texture to the sauce.

---

How to Make Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

Once you have your ingredients ready, here’s how to put this delicious meal together:

1. Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, and stir in the fresh thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
3. Add Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and butter, and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to about the same consistency as heavy cream—about 5-7 minutes.
4. Finish Cooking the Chicken: Add the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve with the creamy lemon thyme sauce spooned over the top, and pair it with your favorite sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

This Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal!

How Long to Cook Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

Cooking times for Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs and how you’re preparing them. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender:

• Searing the Chicken: On the stovetop, sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side. This will give it a nice golden crust without cooking it all the way through. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
• Baking the Chicken: After searing, transfer the chicken to the oven to finish cooking. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken. If you’re using thinner chicken breasts, they may take less time, around 8-10 minutes. Thicker cuts or chicken thighs may take up to 15 minutes.
• Resting Time: After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.

Tips for Perfect Cooking

• Oven-Safe Skillet: Make sure your skillet is oven-safe so you can seamlessly transfer the chicken from the stovetop to the oven without needing to switch pans. A cast iron skillet works perfectly for this.
• Chicken Thickness: Try to use chicken breasts or thighs that are relatively uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure more even cooking.
• Creamy Sauce Consistency: As you finish cooking the chicken in the oven, the sauce should thicken slightly. The sauce should have a silky, creamy consistency that clings to the chicken. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up before serving.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat and gently warm until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken, but be careful not to overcook, as the chicken may dry out. Add a little extra cream or broth to the sauce if needed to keep it silky.

By following these cooking and timing tips, your Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken will turn out perfectly every time—juicy, flavorful, and covered in a rich, creamy sauce!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?