Easy Family-Friendly One Pan Dinner

This creamy chicken breast with lemon sauce is one of those easy baking recipes for dinner that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s packed with flavor from tangy lemon, silky cream, and juicy chicken, and it’s perfect for easy family-friendly meals that even picky eaters will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a healthy easy meal for family night or an easy dinner to take to someone who needs a little comfort, this recipe is a go-to.

It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers that mouth-watering chicken aroma that makes the whole kitchen feel warm and inviting.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍋 Fresh lemon adds brightness to every bite
🐔 Juicy, tender chicken breast recipes in oven or skillet
🥄 One-pan cleanup for busy nights
🍽️ Picky-eater approved and freezer-friendly
👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect for potlucks or a cozy Sunday supper

🛒 Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, pepper, paprika
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
Juice of 1 lemon + 1 tsp zest
½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
2 cups cooked rice
Fresh parsley for garnish

💡 For variation, try this as chicken breast with potatoes recipes by swapping rice for roasted baby potatoes.

👩‍🍳 How to Make This Chicken Breast with Lemon Sauce

Season & Sear – Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic for 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce – Sprinkle in flour, whisk in broth and milk until smooth.
Add the Lemon – Stir in lemon juice, zest, and sour cream. Simmer until thickened.
Finish Cooking – Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer covered for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve – Spoon over rice or potatoes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

🍽️ How to Serve

Over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes
Alongside green beans or asparagus for a balanced plate
As a baked version: transfer to baking dish and make a chicken breast recipes in oven style dinner
For a crowd, make a larger batch for supper recipes with chicken

🧂 How to Perfect This Recipe

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
Pat chicken dry before searing for a crisp golden crust
Don’t rush the sauce it gets creamier as it simmers
Add more lemon zest if you love bright citrus

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken (dry texture)
Using bottled lemon juice (can taste bitter)
Skipping the seasoning step before cooking
Adding cream too early (can curdle)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze without rice or potatoes for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake this instead of skillet cooking?
Yes! Make a chicken breast recipes in oven version by baking at 375°F for 25–30 minutes after searing.

Q: Can I swap rice for potatoes?
Definitely try chicken breast with potatoes recipes for a hearty variation.

Q: Is it healthy?
Yes, especially if paired with vegetables for healthy easy meals for family nights.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it’s one of those easy recipes to try when you need to feed a crowd.

💛 P.S. If you love recipes like this, come hang out with me on Pinterest for more mouth-watering chicken ideas, cozy one-pan dinners, and easy recipes to try.
📌 Follow me here: Follow Spedy Recipes on Pinterest