Creamy Lemon- Herbed Chicken

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Looking for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and bright, zesty flavors? Look no further than Lemon Herbed Chicken, a recipe that brings together tender chicken thighs, creamy mushroom gravy, and the tangy freshness of lemon.

This dish is a weeknight dinner hero, offering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The chicken is browned to perfection, then simmered in a savory sauce infused with smoked paprika, lemon-pepper seasoning, and a touch of rosemary. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty depth, while lemon slices bring a fresh, citrusy finish. Served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, this recipe is hearty and satisfying without being heavy.

Whether you're cooking for a special date night or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner. It’s versatile, too—feel free to customize the gravy with mushrooms, spinach, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Ready in under an hour, Lemon Herbed Chicken is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Serves 2 

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 25 minutes

Total calories per serving: 850 calories

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 pound chicken thighs (approximately 4 thighs)

• ½ can cream of mushroom soup (about 5.25 oz)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Lemon slices (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Wide egg noodles

Directions

1. Prepare and Brown the Chicken

   • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.

2. Make the Gravy

   • In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, lemon juice, smoked paprika, lemon-pepper seasoning, and dried rosemary. Mix well to combine.

   • If the gravy is too thick, add ½ cup of water to thin it out. Stir to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

3. Simmer the Chicken

   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Add Parmesan Cheese

   • Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and gravy. Stir gently to blend the cheese into the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.

5. Prepare the Noodles

   • While the chicken is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Plate and Serve

   • Arrange the cooked egg noodles on a serving plate and ladle the gravy over the noodles. Place the chicken thighs on top.

   • Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a bright, citrusy touch. Serve immediately.

Additional Notes for the Cook

• Customizing the Flavor:

  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice or zest the lemon before juicing.

  • If you prefer a creamier gravy, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

• Optional Additions:

  • Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the skillet for extra texture and flavor.

  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme as a final garnish for an herbaceous kick.

• Noodle Alternatives:

  • If egg noodles aren’t available, serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.

• For Crispy Chicken:

  • If you like your chicken with a crispier texture, briefly broil the thighs in the oven after simmering for a minute or two before serving.