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Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and coated in a luscious sauce made from fresh lemon juice, heavy cream, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances zesty citrus brightness with rich creaminess and savory umami for a comforting yet fresh meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
  3. Add Cream and Lemon: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Allow the chicken and sauce to heat together for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the chicken soak up the creamy lemon sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add brightness and color. Serve immediately alongside your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness; cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.
  • Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent cream from curdling or burning.
  • Deglaze the pan well to incorporate all browned bits for deeper flavor.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add additional chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy lemon chicken, Parmesan sauce, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dish, lemon chicken dinner, creamy chicken skillet