Description
Juicy chicken cooked in a rich, creamy lemon thyme sauce—this Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken is a one-pan wonder! With its zesty, herb-infused flavors and a velvety sauce, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or even a special occasion. Best of all, it comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Thyme Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add the Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and butter, and simmer the sauce for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve with the creamy lemon thyme sauce drizzled over the top, along with your favorite sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
Notes
- To use chicken thighs instead of breasts, follow the same instructions but adjust cooking time as needed. Thighs may cook slightly faster.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes