Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect blend of rich, velvety sauce with lively lemon and fragrant thyme that hugs tender chicken breasts – trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a fast favorite in your rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role. From the juicy chicken breasts that provide the hearty base, to the aromatic garlic and fresh thyme that bring it all together with that punch of freshness. The cream and butter turn the sauce into a silky hug for each bite, and lemon juice and zest brighten the dish to perfection.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them evenly helps with consistent cooking and a tender bite.
• Olive oil: For that perfect golden sear that locks in flavor and moisture.
• Chicken broth: Reduced sodium is great here to keep the sauce light yet savory.
• Lemon juice & lemon zest: Freshly squeezed and zested lemons add vibrancy unlike bottled juice.
• Onion and garlic: A flavor foundation that builds a deep, savory aroma.
• Fresh thyme: Brings an earthy herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
• Heavy cream and unsalted butter: These create the indulgently creamy sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

One of the joys of this Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or tweaking flavors to suit your mood, diet, or pantry availability.

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs: For a juicier, slightly richer option, chicken thighs work beautifully and add tender texture.
• Swap cream for coconut milk: Make it dairy-free while still creamy and luscious with canned full-fat coconut milk.
• Add mushrooms or spinach: Toss in sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach when simmering sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use dried thyme instead of fresh: If fresh thyme isn’t on hand, dried works fine—just use a bit less for balanced flavor.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet. Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes, turning once until beautifully golden but slightly undercooked inside. This step locks flavor and preps the chicken for finishing in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Thyme Sauce

Remove the chicken and set it aside covered with foil. To the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Scrape up those golden bits stuck to the pan—they’re packed with flavor! Bring this mixture to a boil, letting it reduce down to a thick, rich reduction around half a cup. This concentrated sauce is the heart of the dish.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Bake

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and butter cubes. Allow the sauce to mellow and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until silky smooth. Nestle the chicken back in the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top before popping the whole pan into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake about 10 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is juicy through to the center.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like thin lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs not only bring a beautiful pop of color but also enhance the lemony, herbaceous notes already present. A little sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving adds a nice finishing touch as well.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light and fluffy sides—think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or even garlic roasted asparagus. The creamy lemon sauce is fantastic for spooning, so anything that can soak up those lovely juices makes a winning combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken on a beautiful platter drizzled with sauce and garnished thoughtfully with lemon wheels and thyme sprigs. For dinner parties, plating with a side of vibrant green sautéed vegetables or a bright salad adds contrast and makes your presentation shine as much as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal just as delicious if not better!

Freezing

This dish freezes well too! Portion the chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that cream sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, but gentle reheating typically fixes this.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring the sauce back to its creamy glory. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps restore its luscious texture if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken Recipe as much as I do sharing it with you. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any day, and the flavors just dance on your tongue. Go ahead, give it a spin—you won’t regret it!

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