If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is the perfect solution. The tender chicken cutlets are coated in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of peppery heat. The dish comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while packing in tons of flavor. The addition of garlic, shallots, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates this simple chicken dinner into something extraordinary.

This recipe is all about simple ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor profile. The richness of the half-and-half and butter creates a silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, while the lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty kick. The fresh parsley and lemon slices as garnishes brighten the dish, making it not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. You’ll love the balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that make this skillet chicken a standout meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Tangy: The creamy lemon sauce with the zesty lemon pepper seasoning gives the dish a rich, bright flavor.
One-Skillet Meal: Minimal cleanup required, making this recipe a winner in convenience.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning levels or even swap chicken for another protein.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish works for both casual and more formal settings.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets)
Kosher salt
Coarsely ground pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Shallot (minced)
Garlic (minced)
All-purpose flour
Low-sodium chicken broth
Half-and-half
Fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
Lemon pepper seasoning
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Lemon Pepper: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Creamy Herb Version: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist to the creamy sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for thick slices of zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of half-and-half and butter.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood-inspired version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced shallot, and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4: Add Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the shallot and garlic mixture, stirring to create a roux. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add the half-and-half, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow it to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and lemon slices before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Evenly Slice the Chicken: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, slice it into uniform pieces.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken cutlets cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add more chicken broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.
Add Extra Zest: For an extra lemony kick, add some lemon zest into the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy lemon sauce.
Pair with sautéed vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
Serve over a bed of fresh greens for a light, healthy meal option.
Add a side of crusty bread to dip in the sauce and enjoy every last drop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the cream-based sauce, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more chicken broth or half-and-half to the sauce to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, providing a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for longer, or add a little more flour to the roux mixture at the start.

3. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce even richer, but half-and-half will keep it lighter.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should also be golden brown on both sides.

5. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for this recipe, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for added heat.

7. Can I make this dish without wine?

This recipe doesn’t include wine, so it’s already great for those who prefer to keep it alcohol-free.

8. Can I substitute the shallot with an onion?

Yes, you can substitute a small onion for the shallot, though shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor.

9. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this dish with pasta?

Yes, serving this chicken and creamy sauce over pasta is a delicious option that adds extra substance to the meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The tender chicken cutlets soak up the delicious lemon pepper sauce, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish that will impress guests, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With minimal ingredients, one skillet, and just a few easy steps, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.