Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something both comforting and vibrant, that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That's exactly why I created Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, healthy enough to feel good about, and bursting with flavor that will make you swear you're dining in a cozy Italian restaurant. This dish is your shortcut to a delicious and satisfying meal, every single time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I remember visiting the Amalfi Coast years ago, the scent of lemons hanging heavy in the air. We ate at a tiny trattoria tucked away in a lemon grove, and the chef served us a simple chicken dish with a creamy lemon sauce. It was pure magic. I've been trying to recreate that memory ever since, and this Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken recipe is the closest I've come. It captures that bright, fresh flavor with a creamy, comforting sauce that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
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Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Mix in broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add cream & parmesan: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine & Serve: Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for another minute or two to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Creamy Parmesan Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.0.5 cup chicken broth
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.0.5 cup heavy cream, 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for another minute or two to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley