Chicken Lazone

How to Make Chicken Lazone

Making Chicken Lazone is simple, and you only need a few steps to bring this flavorful dish to life. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by flattening your chicken breasts for even cooking. You can do this by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pounding them with a meat mallet until they’re about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt to create your seasoning mix. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning on both sides.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep it warm while you make the sauce.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken. This adds great flavor to your sauce!
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the heavy cream, and allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the cream doesn’t separate.
• For an extra rich and savory touch, you can add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.

4. Combine Chicken with Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

5. Serve

• Plate the chicken and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve with your favorite side dishes like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Chicken Lazone

• Adjust the Spice: The cayenne pepper adds heat to this dish, but you can easily adjust it to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely. If you love spice, feel free to add more!
• Use Bone-In Chicken: While boneless chicken breasts are typically used for this recipe, you can also make Chicken Lazone with bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes per side for thighs).
• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds a lot of flavor to the sauce, so make sure you sauté it until fragrant to get the full aromatic effect.
• Creamy Sauce Variations: You can switch up the sauce by adding a splash of white wine, or even a bit of Dijon mustard for extra tang. Some people like to toss in a bit of spinach or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Ideas: Chicken Lazone pairs beautifully with anything that can soak up that creamy sauce. Serve it over pasta, steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or even a fresh side salad. It also works great with a side of grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Variations to Try

• Chicken Lazone with Shrimp: For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp to the recipe. Simply sauté the shrimp in the skillet after the chicken is done, and then make the sauce as directed. The shrimp will cook quickly and pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Spicy Chicken Lazone: If you’re a fan of extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add in some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an added kick.
• Lighter Version: You can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and using olive oil instead of butter. While it won’t be as rich, it will still be flavorful and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Lazone is a truly delightful dish that combines bold flavors with a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory goodness, all wrapped up in one easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or an impressive dish to serve guests, this Southern-inspired chicken is sure to satisfy.

It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste, and the creamy, garlicky sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything! So, grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy this flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.