Imagine a dinner so rich, so perfectly tangy and irresistible, it instantly becomes the star of your weeknight table. That’s the magic of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken—a luscious skillet supper featuring delectably tender chicken in a silky, zesty sauce, absolutely bursting with bright lemon and savory Parmesan. Whether you’re wooing guests or treating yourself after a long day, this dish is pure comfort and elegance in every bite.

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is how a handful of everyday staples transform into something downright extraordinary. Each ingredient brings unique flair—whether adding boldness, creaminess, or that signature pop of fresh lemon. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it counts!

Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the rich sauce, these provide the perfect canvas for flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps get that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken.
Butter: Enriches both the chicken and the sauce with a velvety finish.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of aromatic flavor that’s absolutely essential.
Chicken Broth: Lifts the sauce, providing body and a subtle savory backbone.
Heavy Cream: Delivers the ultimate creamy texture and envelops the other flavors in luxuriousness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy saltiness and melts beautifully for a luscious, slightly nutty sauce.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brings brightness, tang, and an irresistible freshness that makes the dish sing.
Italian Seasoning: A medley of herbs that compliments both the lemon and the Parmesan, offering subtle earthiness.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but vital for bringing everything into perfect balance.
Cornstarch (optional): If you love a thick, restaurant-style sauce, this trick is for you!
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh finish—don’t skip the sprinkle.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a good dash of Italian seasoning. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses those irresistible herb flavors from the very first sizzle. Giving the chicken a head start with seasonings makes every bite sing!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

In a large skillet, heat your olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a glorious golden crust and fully cooked-through meat. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes dry chicken. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those lovely brown bits!), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step elevates the entire sauce with a punch of aromatic magic.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—these are flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and become dreamy. If you love an ultra-creamy sauce, now’s the time to swirl in the cornstarch slurry.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Nestle your cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning that decadent sauce generously over each piece. Let everything simmer for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, then serve piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a little extra lemon zest for bright color and aroma. If you’re feeling fancy, some thin lemon slices tucked alongside the chicken will look stunning and taste great. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan for good measure!

Side Dishes

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a natural with pasta—think buttered noodles, angel hair, or spaghetti to soak up that luscious sauce. Mashed potatoes, rice, or a medley of steamed green veggies (like asparagus or broccoli) also make fabulous partners. The key is to serve something that lets that sauce shine!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken before saucing to create gorgeous, restaurant-style plating or serve atop a bed of fluffy orzo for a Mediterranean twist. For an elegant dinner party, individual cast iron pans look show-stopping and keep everything piping hot. This dish is a canvas—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken stores beautifully. Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If possible, store the sauce separately so you can control reheating—I promise, the flavors get even better!

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Note: cream-based sauces can sometimes separate a bit after freezing, but a gentle whisk will bring everything back together.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its silkiness. Microwave reheating works, too, but low and slow is best for maintaining that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe and offer even more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken dairy-free?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The end result won’t be quite as traditional, but it’ll still be wonderfully flavorful and creamy.

What can I do if my sauce isn’t thick enough?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply stir in the optional cornstarch slurry and simmer until your desired consistency is reached. Remember, the sauce will also thicken a bit as it cools.

Can I prepare Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken ahead of time for entertaining?

Yes! Make the recipe up to the final simmer, then refrigerate. Just warm gently on the stove and garnish before serving for an effortlessly impressive dinner party main.

How do I adjust the lemon flavor?

Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go; for a stronger zing, add extra zest or another squeeze of juice. For something more subtle, use half the juice and taste before adding more.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something uplifting about Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken—the cheerful brightness, the melt-in-your-mouth sauce, and how simple it is to whip up. Next time you want to treat yourself (and whoever’s lucky enough to join you), give this recipe a try. You won’t regret welcoming this one into your dinnertime rotation!

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, velvety sauce infused with lemon and Parmesan flavors. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Cook the chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until thickened.
Thicken the sauce: If desired, add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Combine and serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley before serving.