Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving something that’s sophisticated enough to serve guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight, Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new go-to dish. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce brimming with zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan. Every bite sings with bright citrus balanced by the richness of cream, making this one-pan meal as comforting as it is crave-worthy. Whether you serve it over pasta or with a side of steamed veggies, this is one dinner everyone at the table will be talking about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is refreshingly simple, yet each item plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Don’t skip or substitute—these essentials work delicious magic together!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless and ready to soak up all of that creamy, lemony goodness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural savoriness of the chicken and balances the tangy sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil: Helps you achieve that irresistible golden crust on the chicken.
- Garlic: Three cloves for deep flavor and a savory aromatic base.
- Chicken broth: Lifts up the pan drippings and adds body to your sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to an ultra-luxurious, silky sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty complexity.
- Lemon juice: Delivers that fresh, zippy punch you’ll love.
- Lemon zest: For pure citrus aroma and an explosion of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with fragrant herbs.
- Butter: Rounds out the sauce for extra shine and flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a burst of freshness on top.
- Lemon slices for garnish: Make your plate as beautiful as it is irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and sprinkling both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures each bite is flavorful from the inside out, and also helps achieve a perfect golden crust in the pan. Don’t be shy—a good seasoning is key!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeously browned exterior and cooked-through center. Once they reach that beautiful golden color, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate, but don’t clean the skillet—you want all those tasty browned bits.
Step 3: Bring on the Garlic
Toss the minced garlic into the same hot skillet. Cook it just for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The goal is fragrant—not burned—so keep your nose tuned in! This step creates a super-aromatic base for your Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce, setting the stage for depth of flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any caramelized pieces stuck to the pan. These little browned tidbits are loaded with flavor and make the sauce truly special. Stir well, letting the broth bubble away for a minute.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and a pat of butter. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken. The aroma at this point is pure heaven and you’ll see the sauce become silky and rich.
Step 6: Return the Chicken and Finish
Gently nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning that dreamy sauce all over. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is reheated and every bite is drenched in lemony, cheesy goodness. This is when Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce officially comes to life!
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A thoughtful garnish lifts this dish from delicious to stunning. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and scatter a few lemon slices to reinforce that fresh citrus vibe. These finishing touches make your Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce shine, visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This is a versatile main course that welcomes all kinds of accompaniments. For comfort, pair with pasta or pillowy mashed potatoes—both are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. If you’re aiming for lighter fare, steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus complement the creamy, vibrant notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of lemon-infused rice, or drizzle the sauce over grilled vegetables for a show-stopping plate. For an elegant dinner, try serving Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce in individual cast-iron pans or ramekins for a restaurant-worthy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the sauce remains velvety and comforting even after reheating.
Freezing
While Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to a month. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through and delicious as ever. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—they’ll work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free spin, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still have a delightful lemony tang!
What if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer for a couple more minutes or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. The cheese helps emulsify and thicken the sauce quickly.
Can I prep any components in advance?
You can definitely season the chicken and even grate the Parmesan and chop the parsley ahead of time. When ready to cook, everything comes together in about 30 minutes for a stress-free meal.
What should I do if my sauce separates?
If the sauce looks a bit separated, whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream or a splash of broth over low heat. Usually, gentle heat and continuous whisking will bring it back together.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a rock star in your own kitchen. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every zesty, creamy, cheesy bite!
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Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delectable dish of Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This easy stovetop recipe features tender chicken breasts in a luscious sauce with hints of citrus and cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying main course!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, add chicken broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, Italian seasoning, and butter. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Garnish: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and simmer. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
