Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice – A Comforting, Zesty Delight for Any Day of the Week
If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare but fancy enough to impress, you’re going to fall in love with this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice . This dish brings together tender seared chicken breasts, a luscious lemon-garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and a bed of fluffy rice—perfectly balanced and absolutely mouthwatering.
Whether you’re planning a cozy date night at home, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. It’s a timeless comfort dish with a fresh twist of citrus that keeps things light and invigorating. Bonus: it comes together in under 45 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Let’s dive into why this creamy lemon garlic chicken is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels—from beginners looking for a foolproof meal to seasoned chefs seeking a new flavor profile to play with. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Quick and easy: Simple steps and minimal prep make this a breeze, even on busy weekends.
- Creamy yet fresh: The lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the cream and cheese, offering a delightful brightness.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak it for dietary needs or pantry limitations.
- One-pan magic: Fewer dishes =
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup chicken broth 🍲
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
- Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice 🍚
- 2 cups water or chicken broth 🍲
- Salt to taste 🧂
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- Lemon slices 🍋
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Garlic press or microplane (optional)
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Instant-read thermometer (for perfect chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Rice 🍚
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor) and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add 1 cup of white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Pro Tip:Use chicken broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor in the rice.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken 🍗
Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C). Remove from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
Shortcut:Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips in a pinch—just add them to the sauce to warm through.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce 🍲
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, juice, and thyme. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season to taste.
Tip:Don’t skip deglazing the pan—this is where all the flavor lives!
4️⃣ Combine and Simmer 🍗🍋
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to soak up all the creamy, citrusy goodness.
5️⃣ Plate and Garnish 🍽️
Spoon a serving of fluffy rice onto each plate. Top with a chicken breast and generous ladles of sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon slice for a pop of color and brightness.
Optional Swaps & Variations
- Make it low-carb: Skip the rice and serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking the sauce for a nutrition boost.
- Use thighs: Chicken thighs will add more richness and flavor—just adjust cook time as needed.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just confirm your broth and cheese are certified GF.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. For best texture, stir well while reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
Perfect Pairings
- Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a garden salad complement the meal well.
- Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the rice and chicken ahead of time, then prepare the sauce and assemble just before serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch. Just be aware it may be slightly more tart or acidic.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili to the garlic for some heat.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is a simple yet elegant meal that brings together the best of comfort food and vibrant flavors. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation—not only for how it tastes, but for how easy it is to make, modify, and enjoy.
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