Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

This Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts and a tangy, creamy lemon pepper sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple yet flavorful weekend meal. The lemon pepper seasoning gives the chicken a refreshing citrusy kick, while the creamy sauce adds richness and depth of flavor. Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adjusting the level of seasoning or swapping in a different type of milk for the sauce. The creamy, zesty sauce perfectly complements the perfectly cooked chicken, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using almond or cashew milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a fast and delicious weeknight dinner.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The creamy lemon pepper sauce adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a satisfying dish.

3. Gluten-Free and Customizable

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using almond or cashew milk. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

4. One-Skillet Wonder

Cooking everything in one skillet means minimal cleanup, making this an easy meal for busy evenings.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

The chicken can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (around 8 oz each), cut in half lengthwise
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon pepper
• Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
• 1 cup almond or cashew milk
• 1 lemon, sliced to garnish
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, to garnish

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use almond or cashew milk for the creamy sauce to make it dairy-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy variation.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus in the skillet to serve alongside the chicken and enhance the dish.
• Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper, kosher salt, and ground pepper on both sides. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to allow them to cook faster and more evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the garlic and stir to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Milk and Simmer

Slowly pour in the almond or cashew milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the creamy sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving. Serve the creamy lemon pepper skillet chicken over your favorite side, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them thinner for even cooking.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for best results in the creamy sauce. Tapioca or rice flour can also work if you’re looking for an alternative.
• Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you love a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice or zest to the sauce.
• Ensure Chicken is Fully Cooked: Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve

This creamy lemon pepper skillet chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over white or brown rice, pasta, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are slightly more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use almond or cashew milk in place of regular milk to make the sauce dairy-free.

3. Can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more gluten-free flour to the roux or allow the sauce to simmer for a longer period.

4. What other sides can I serve this with?

This dish goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, feel free to sauté some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus in the skillet before adding the chicken back in. They’ll soak up the creamy lemon pepper sauce for added flavor.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?

To prevent lumps, whisk constantly when adding the milk to the roux and make sure to pour it in slowly.

9. Can I make this with regular flour?

Yes, if you’re not avoiding gluten, you can use all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour.

10. How can I adjust the seasoning?

If you like a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest. You can also increase the amount of lemon pepper to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. The creamy, zesty sauce brings the chicken to life with bright lemon and a mild peppery kick. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

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