Here’s a delightful recipe for Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken that’s perfect for a comforting, yet zesty dinner. The creamy Parmesan sauce is brightened up with fresh lemon juice and pairs beautifully with tender chicken. Serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon zest, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine or linguine, tossing the pasta with the extra sauce.
- Rice: Pair it with white rice, brown rice, or a lemony rice pilaf.
- Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a mixed green salad.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a golden crust.
- Fresh Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They may take slightly longer to cook, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken recipe is a showstopper with its balance of creamy richness and zesty brightness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress! 🍋🧄🧀
