Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Dish (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small), sliced horizontally
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Salt to taste
04 - Pepper to taste
05 - ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)

→ For the Sauce

06 - 3 tablespoons butter
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 cup chicken broth
09 - ¾ cup heavy cream
10 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds richness)
11 - Zest of 1 large lemon
12 - Juice of 1 large lemon
13 - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 - Fresh parsley for garnish

→ For the Rice

15 - 1½ cups long-grain white rice
16 - 3 cups water or chicken broth
17 - 1 tablespoon butter
18 - Salt to taste

# Instructions:

01 - In a saucepan, bring water (or broth), butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to the skillet, coating with sauce. Simmer 2 more minutes.
04 - Serve chicken and creamy sauce over fluffy rice. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest.

# Notes:

01 - Optional add-ins: spinach or steamed broccoli for extra greens, red pepper flakes for heat, or swap rice for pasta or mashed potatoes.