Description
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a rich and tangy one-pan dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a silky lemon-parmesan cream sauce. It’s full of bright citrus flavor, savory garlic, and nutty cheese—perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets evenly with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken cutlets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to release its aroma.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet to incorporate those deep flavors into the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken cutlets back to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the lemon Parmesan cream sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and add lemon slices for a bright, fresh touch. Serve immediately, ideally paired with pasta, risotto, or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with fettuccine, risotto, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, which reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.
