Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Name: Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

August 29, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken is the perfect dish when you want something comforting yet fresh. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, cream, and a splash of lemon juice. The sauce is rich, savory, and tangy with a subtle citrus brightness that balances out the creaminess beautifully.

This dish is ideal for family dinners, date nights, or when you want an elegant but easy one-pan meal that comes together quickly.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich comfort food and refreshing flavors. The chicken comes out juicy and golden, while the sauce is velvety, cheesy, and indulgent—yet the addition of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up so it never feels too heavy. Every bite has that cozy creaminess we all crave, but with a light citrus lift that keeps you going back for more.

Another reason I adore this dish is how effortless yet elegant it is. In under 30 minutes, with just one skillet, you can create something that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights when I want a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, but also my favorite when I want to impress guests or make a date-night meal at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: The creamy, tangy sauce feels indulgent and special.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, maximum flavor.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Versatile: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American Inspired
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon, optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and dredge chicken in flour, then pan-sear until golden.
Make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding broth, cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
Return chicken to skillet and simmer until cooked through.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in chicken broth and let simmer 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Stir until creamy.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Return chicken to skillet.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or veggies.

How to Serve

Over pasta or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
With mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.
With roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a lighter option.
Add crusty bread on the side to mop up every bit of sauce.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
If too thin, let it simmer longer.
Don’t overcook chicken—remove once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Variations

Chicken Piccata Style: Add capers and extra lemon juice.
Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
Spinach Twist: Stir in fresh baby spinach at the end.
Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not ideal due to the cream sauce, but if needed, freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to prevent curdling.
Reheating: Warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if sauce separates.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs for flipping chicken
Whisk (for smooth sauce)

Conclusion

The Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough for a dinner party. With its golden seared chicken and velvety lemon-Parmesan sauce, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, satisfying meals. Pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and you’ve got a complete dinner that everyone will ask for again and again!

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