Okay, grab a seat at the kitchen table, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret – my family’s absolute favorite Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice! I can almost smell it now, can’t you? The bright, zesty lemon mingling with the savory garlic, all blanketing tender chicken and fluffy rice… It’s pure comfort food magic. The first time I attempted it, I was so nervous about the sauce breaking! I kept whisking like crazy, but it turned out beautifully creamy, and from that moment on, it was a staple.

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice has become our go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, and even the occasional “I don’t feel like cooking” night. Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver. I’ve tweaked it over the years, adding my own little touches and shortcuts to make it even easier to whip up after a long day. It’s funny how a simple lemon garlic chicken recipe can bring so much joy, but this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice always does the trick.

It truly is an easy chicken dinner that the whole family will enjoy! Come on, let’s make some Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice – you’re going to love it! If you love easy chicken dinner ideas like this, you might also like this spicy garlic chicken stir-fry with rice.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic in your own kitchen!

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: I always buy organic chicken when I can find it on sale, but regular works just fine for my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice.
1 tbsp olive oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t be shy with the garlic! It’s essential for that signature Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice taste.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is my go-to, so I can control the salt level.
1/4 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it so creamy!
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice.
2 tbsp butter: I use unsalted.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano: Italian seasoning works in a pinch!
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip the seasoning!
2 cups cooked rice: I usually make white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa are great too, to serve with our Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

When making Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice, I always use fresh garlic. It makes a world of difference! You can find great deals on chicken breasts at most supermarkets. Here’s a Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice trick I learned from my mom: squeeze the lemon juice right before you start cooking for the best flavor! Leftover heavy cream can be stored in the fridge for a few days, or even frozen. Looking for another creamy garlic chicken recipe? Check out this creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice, step-by-step:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Don’t worry if you sprinkle a little extra – it just adds more flavor!
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. I learned the hard way with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice that overcrowding the pan leads to steamed chicken, not browned chicken. Make sure not to burn your chicken! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter. This is where the magic starts to happen. Sautéing garlic correctly is key to building flavor. Burnt garlic will ruin the entire dish, so keep a close eye on it and stir frequently.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds so much flavor! Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced. While the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is simmering, I usually chop the parsley for garnish and get the rice ready.
Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice should smell like a little slice of heaven right now! The heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce, while Parmesan provides a salty, umami flavor that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is covered!
Simmer: Let the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. In my kitchen, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice usually takes about 10-15 minutes to fully come together from this point. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to fully develop and infuse the chicken. Don’t rush it!
Serve: Serve the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of freshness that brightens up the dish.

I learned over time that adding the lemon juice too early can sometimes make the chicken a little tough, so I always add it with the broth. A family-tested shortcut for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is to use pre-cooked rice to save time! If you want to see a version of this recipe made in one skillet, check out this one skillet lemon garlic chicken recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, now for the best part – serving this delicious Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice! The kids love our Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice when I add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

My go-to side dishes that pair with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice are a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. The bright acidity of the lemon in the salad or asparagus complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough for a casual get-together with friends. I like to serve it family-style in a big bowl, garnished with lots of fresh parsley and maybe a few lemon slices.

If you have extra Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice, it’s fantastic for lunch the next day! I love packing it in a thermos for the kids or enjoying it cold over a salad. You can even shred the chicken and use it in tacos or wraps!

One seasonal Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice variation I’ve tried is adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. It adds a burst of sweetness and intensifies the flavors. My friends always ask for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe whenever I make it for them – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

And don’t forget presentation! A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge can really make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice look extra special. If you’re looking for an even easier Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe, check out this

recipe for easy creamy lemon chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add even more flavor. You might need to cook them a bit longer, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. My family actually prefers this creamy chicken and rice with thighs.

Can I make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious. You know what I do when my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice needs a little extra flavor kick? I add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

While fresh garlic is always best, pre-minced garlic will work in a pinch. Just be aware that it might not have quite as much flavor. I always keep a jar of minced garlic on hand for emergencies. However, freshly minced garlic truly elevates the dish, so if you have the time, it’s worth the extra effort.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure you simmer the sauce on low heat and don’t let it boil. Adding the lemon juice gradually can also help. Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is tricky, but don’t get discouraged. I have faith in you! A gentle simmer is key to maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce. Boiling can cause the proteins in the cream to break down and curdle.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the chicken. Feedback about my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice from blog readers suggests that mushrooms are especially popular! Sautéing the vegetables before adding the chicken and sauce ensures they are cooked through and tender.

Can I make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. It is recommended to store the rice separately. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.

What kind of rice is best to serve with this dish?

Any kind of rice will work! I usually use white rice, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa are all great options. The choice of rice depends on your personal preference and dietary needs. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and fiber, while jasmine rice offers a fragrant aroma.

My Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family loves and enjoys. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

My Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Pro Tips:

Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and still juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright, zesty flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a vibrant and refreshing element to the dish.
Taste and adjust the seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust to your liking.

Here are some Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice variations I’ve tried with my family:

Spicy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice with Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.

The kids love the spicy version, while I prefer the one with sun-dried tomatoes. Encourage you to make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice your own and experiment with different variations to find your family’s favorite. I hope your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice cooking experience is filled with joy and deliciousness! You’ve got this! It’s such an easy chicken dinner to make.

So, there you have it – my family’s beloved Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice

Print Recipe

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a luscious lemon garlic sauce and served over fluffy rice.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce has thickened slightly.
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute the chicken broth with white wine for a richer taste.