Zest Meets Comfort: Lemon Herb Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
An easy, elegant dinner that tastes like sunshine on a plate
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing quite like a meal that feels both nourishing and luxurious—especially one that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Lemon Herb Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce strikes that perfect balance. It’s zesty, herby, velvety, and comes together in under an hour.
Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing a dinner guest, or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, this dish delivers big flavor without the fuss. The herbed rice is a delicate canvas, the sautéed vegetables bring a rainbow of color and nutrients, and the creamy lemon-garlic sauce ties it all together in one perfect bite.
🍋 What You’ll Need:
For the chicken marinade:
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2–3 chicken breasts
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ of the minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
✨ Spice Tip: Want that next-level flavor? Try our Moroccan Paprika, Mediterranean Oregano, or Wild Mountain Thyme—all available in our small-batch collection at International Spice District. Each blend is harvested and packed at peak potency for bold, authentic taste.
For the herbed rice:
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1 cup rice (basmati or jasmine recommended)
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2 cups chicken broth or water
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Zest of ½ lemon
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1 tbsp butter
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Pinch of salt
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Fresh chopped herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro)
For the vegetables:
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Assorted vegetables (think bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes)
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Olive oil for sautéing
For the creamy garlic sauce:
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Remaining minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
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¼ cup heavy cream
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Juice of the second lemon
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Salt & pepper to taste
🥘 Let’s Cook:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, garlic, herbs, paprika, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Add your chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Let them marinate while you prep the rice and vegetables.
🌿 Pro Tip: For even more depth, swap plain paprika with our Smoked Paprika Blend and let those earthy notes sing.
Step 2: Make the Rice
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, then lightly toast the rice for a couple of minutes. Add chicken broth or water, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to a simmer, and let it cook until fluffy—about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped herbs just before serving.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked. Set aside to rest.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and toss in your vegetables. Cook until tender-crisp—bright, beautiful, and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Turn heat to medium. Add the remaining garlic to the pan, stir until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and juice of one lemon. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Slice your chicken and return it to the skillet, letting it soak up that luscious sauce. Serve over a bed of herbed rice, with veggies on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy.
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
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Bright, bold spices balanced with cozy, creamy comfort
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Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
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Customizable—swap in your favorite herbs or vegetables
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Leftovers? Even better the next day.
🛍️ Shop the Spices Behind the Magic
This dish was made with our small-batch, Moroccan-sourced spices that deliver big flavor and zero fillers. Each batch is hand-packed, slightly unique, and intentionally blended to elevate everyday meals into something unforgettable.
Grab the essentials:
Every jar is a passport to bold, beautiful flavor.