Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken

This Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a luscious, tangy lemon-Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce is rich and silky from the cream, sharp from freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and brightened beautifully by fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance — savory, creamy, and just the right touch of citrus freshness. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary chicken dinner into something unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly combines rich comfort food with light, refreshing flavors. The creamy sauce feels indulgent but the lemon cuts through beautifully, keeping every bite balanced.

The sauce clings perfectly to the juicy chicken, and the Parmesan gives it that irresistible umami depth. It’s also a one-pan meal — less mess, more flavor, and perfect for family dinners or date nights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines tangy lemon, savory Parmesan, and creamy texture — a heavenly trio!
• Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Elegant enough for entertaining but cozy for weeknights.
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light coating)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season and lightly flour chicken breasts.
2. Pan-sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and deglaze with chicken broth.
4. Add cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and seasoning to create sauce.
5. Return chicken to sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Lightly dust each piece with a thin coating of flour (this helps thicken the sauce and gives a golden crust).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
• Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, melt butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits (these add flavor!).

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

• Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
• Whisk until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Add Lemon

• Stir in lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

• Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top.
• Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a touch of extra Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot with:

• Buttered pasta or angel hair spaghetti
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• Garlic bread for mopping up that luscious sauce

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and gives a richer flavor.
• Avoid boiling the sauce after adding lemon — it can cause the cream to curdle.
• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and texture.
• If you like more sauce, increase the cream and broth slightly.

Variations

• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Skip the cream and just finish with butter, garlic, and lemon for a lighter version.
• Spinach Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add 2 cups fresh spinach at the end and stir until wilted.
• Mushroom Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Skip the flour or use cornstarch to coat the chicken.
• Low-Fat Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce separation) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can cause the sauce to split.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Tongs or spatula

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a truly irresistible dish — tender, golden chicken enveloped in a velvety, tangy, and cheesy sauce that feels both comforting and sophisticated. The zesty lemon brings the perfect brightness to balance the richness, making it a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll love to cook again and again. Serve it with your favorite sides, and watch it become an instant family favorite

Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken

This Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a luscious, tangy lemon-Parmesan cream sauce.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light coating)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 and Juice zest of large lemon
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken : Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dust each piece with a thin coating of flour (this helps thicken the sauce and gives a golden crust).
2. Step 2: Sear the Chicken : Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Make the Sauce Base : In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits (these add flavor!).
4. Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan : Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (2–3 minutes).
5. Step 5: Add Lemon : Stir in lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Combine and Simmer : Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a touch of extra Parmesan before serving.

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken