Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken A La King

Name: Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken A La King
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/4 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed; Cooked rice or toasted bread, for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you're looking for a comforting dish that brings a fresh zing to your table, this Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken A La King is it. It's a delightful twist on a classic, combining creamy textures with vibrant citrus and herbs. Perfect for any time you need a quick yet satisfying meal.

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Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken A La King

Olive oil is our go-to for sautéing, lending a smooth richness to the chicken. The chicken breast is diced for quick cooking and absorbs all the wonderful flavors. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the chicken's taste. Mushrooms add a savory depth, while red bell pepper and onion give a sweet, aromatic base. Garlic is a must-have for that extra layer of flavor. All-purpose flour helps thicken our sauce beautifully. Chicken broth and heavy cream create the creamy, rich sauce. Lemon zest and juice provide a bright, tangy contrast. Parsley and thyme add fresh, herbaceous notes. Finally, frozen peas offer a pop of color and sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

To save time, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking.
If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Experiment with different herbs like basil or tarragon for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus on the side. If you're feeling indulgent, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?: Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?: Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be less rich.
How can I make this dairy-free?: Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a tropical twist.

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken A La King Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While that's warming, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for about 5-6 minutes until it's nicely browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.

In the same skillet, toss in the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté these for about 4 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to combine. This will help thicken your sauce later on.

Now, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken up nicely. Once thickened, stir in your lemon zest and juice, along with the parsley and thyme. These will give your sauce a fresh, zesty kick.

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the peas. Stir everything to coat the chicken and peas evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Serve this delicious dish hot over your choice of cooked rice or toasted bread – both options are fantastic!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
A delightful mix of creamy and zesty flavors.
Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable with your favorite herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/4 cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

Cooked rice or toasted bread, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.

3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables, stirring to combine.

5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer until thickened.

6. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme.

7. Return chicken to the skillet, along with peas. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce.