Super Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb and Rice
Tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked in a luxurious lemon-garlic cream sauce, paired with herb-infused rice.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and brightened with fresh herbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy meal.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless, skinless
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup low-fat cream or Greek yogurt
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Herb Rice:
1 cup long-grain rice (or basmati/quinoa)
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or basil, chopped
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, salt, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender.
Fluff and stir in fresh herbs before serving.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and keep warm.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and olive oil or butter, saute for 30 seconds.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Reduce heat and whisk in cream or Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cook 1–2 minutes to coat.
4. Serve
Place a portion of herb rice on each plate.
Top with creamy lemon garlic chicken and drizzle extra sauce over the rice.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Tips & Variations
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
Add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
For lighter creaminess, use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Serve with toasted almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy Mediterranean touch.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g