Creamy Chicken Limone is a bright and comforting dish that features tender chicken in a creamy lemon sauce. It’s zesty and full of flavor, making it a winner for any meal!
I love how quick this recipe is! You just whip up the sauce while the chicken cooks, and in no time, you’ve got a delightful dinner. Pair it with pasta or veggies for a tasty plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts make the dish lean and easy to cook. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute, adding more flavor and moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for coating the chicken. If you want a gluten-free option, try using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Olive oil and butter: This combo gives a rich flavor to the chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use just olive oil or switch to a cooking spray to reduce calories.
Heavy cream: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly.
Italian seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs can also add a bright flavor!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key to this dish and involves a few simple steps. Start by ensuring the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a lovely golden crust.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before dredging, as this adds flavor.
- Dredge it lightly in flour, shaking off the excess. This gives a nice coating that helps seal in moisture.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is the target.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Limone?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend a little time getting everything ready and then enjoy the delicious aroma while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Take the flour and dredge each piece of chicken in it, making sure to shake off any extra flour. This will help give your chicken a nice, crispy coating!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, carefully add the chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring it around until it smells fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes to bring out the flavors.
4. Add Cream and Lemon:
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the heavy cream along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Keep cooking the sauce for about 3-4 minutes or until it thickens up just a bit. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
5. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, making sure to spoon the sauce over the top of each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, just to heat everything through and soak up all that delicious flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When ready to serve, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Add lemon slices on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Limone with your favorite sides, and get ready to impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add a richer flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need an additional 2-3 minutes depending on their size. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of chicken broth to achieve a creamy consistency. Just be careful not to curdle the yogurt by not cooking it on too high heat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up during reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently before adding the chicken back in to warm up together, ensuring it’s heated through to your liking.
