Oh, let me tell you about a dish that always warms my heart and puts a smile on my face: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice. Every time I pull this recipe out, it feels like I’m giving a big, warm hug to my taste buds. It’s a meal I stumbled upon during one of those late-night recipe searches while dreaming of something zesty yet comforting. The brightness of lemon paired with rich cream and garlic—it’s like summer on a plate, even in the middle of winter.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration! Picture this: you’re having a long day, and with just a couple of unpretentious ingredients, you can whip up something that feels special enough for a dinner party yet cozy enough for a casual weeknight. The marriage of creamy texture and fresh lemony zing is divine. The rice, fragrant with parsley, serves as the perfect cushion for our saucy star, while the pan-seared chicken sings with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe has that “wow” factor but without the fuss. Trust me; your kitchen will never smell better than when the aroma of sautéed garlic mingles with that vibrant lemon!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk about what you need:
- Chicken Breast Fillets: The backbone of this dish. I prefer boneless skinless for ease. But if you’re feeling adventurous, bone-in, skin-on can give an even deeper flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Ah, garlic—the fragrant superstar! Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor, but in a pinch, you could use garlic powder (although it won’t have the same brilliance).
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium if you like to control your seasoning! It’s the magic elixir that brings depth to our sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish its luscious, creamy quality. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can substitute with half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as indulgent.
- Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: The zing! The zest adds that pop of fragrance, while juice adds the tang. Don’t skip the zest—it’s where the flavor resides!
- Long-Grain Rice: I love using jasmine or basmati for their lightness and aroma. You can substitute with brown rice if you’re looking for a hearty alternative.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful of this green goodness elevates the dish and gives it a fresh finish.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil adds flavor and helps cook your chicken to golden perfection.
Preparing Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice
Let’s get our cook on!
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse that long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps remove extra starch and gives you fluffy rice.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, a pinch of salt, and a splash of olive oil. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
- While that’s cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken fillets with salt and pepper.
- Sear each side for about 5–7 minutes until you get that beautiful golden crust. Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet, leaving all those delicious browned bits behind.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—it should only take a minute or so. You want that aromatic goodness to fill your kitchen.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk until the mixture is silky smooth—this is where the magic begins.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in that luscious sauce for another 5 minutes. It’s soaking up all the flavor.
- Meanwhile, don’t forget about that rice! Toss the chopped parsley into it just before serving for that fresh lift.
- Plate the herb rice, top it with the creamy lemon garlic chicken, and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Voilà!
Best way to enjoy it
For a delightful meal, pair your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus—something to add a bit of crunch and brighten the plate. The contrasting textures and flavors complement each other beautifully. Feeling extra? A slice of crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want every drop!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for about 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep that creamy goodness intact. When you’re ready to dive back in, I recommend reheating it on the stove over low heat to gently warm it through. If you find the sauce is a bit thick, a splash of chicken broth or more cream can help revive it. Freezing? You can freeze it for up to three months, but be sure to separate the chicken and rice for best results.
Pro chef tips
Want to elevate your skills? Here’s the insider scoop: For an extra layer of flavor, let the chicken marinate in lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before searing. You could also experiment with fresh herbs—thyme works wonders in the sauce and gives it a new twist. Feeling indulgent? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the sauce could give you that delightful kick. Don’t shy away from tweaking the recipe to fit your palate or pantry!
Creative Twists
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Missed the lemon? Try lime for a different yet delicious spin. Want to up the veggie game? Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. If you’re not a fan of chicken, this creamy lemon sauce pairs splendidly with shrimp or even seared tofu for a plant-based option. The world is your oyster!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast fillets
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Long-grain rice
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
Directions to follow
- Gather all ingredients and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, combine long-grain rice, water, salt, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper.
- Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk until smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet; simmer in sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Toss chopped parsley into cooked herb rice before serving.
- Plate herb rice topped with creamy lemon garlic chicken and drizzle extra sauce on top.
Common questions
-
How long does it take to make this dish?
- It usually takes about 30–35 minutes from start to finish.
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook; you’ll want to adjust your simmer time accordingly.
-
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Yes! Just store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.
-
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Definitely! Sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach pair wonderfully with this meal.
-
How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a lovely kick!
Cooking is such a joy, don’t you think? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s vibrant, creamy, and downright delicious. I encourage you to give it a whirl and let your taste buds dance! Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or your own tweaks down below. Cooking is a journey, and I’d love to hear about yours. Happy cooking!
Use Your Leftovers
Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice
Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and tangy flavors that will warm your heart. It's an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion.Ingredients
Directions
-
Prepare Rice
Rinse long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rice, water, salt, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked. -
Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet.Leave browned bits in the skillet for flavor. -
Make Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk until smooth. -
Finish Chicken
Return chicken to the skillet; simmer in sauce for another 5 minutes. -
Serve
Toss chopped parsley into cooked herb rice just before serving. Plate herb rice topped with creamy lemon garlic chicken and drizzle extra sauce on top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 50g77%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
