The Perfect Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Zesty Weeknights

Silky, luxurious creamy lemon parmesan chicken converts an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this delightful dish that balances tangy and rich flavors effortlessly.

Sharp parmesan cheese mingles with bright citrus notes, creating a sophisticated sauce that coats each tender chicken piece.

Hearty yet light, this recipe promises a delectable dining adventure that impresses without demanding complicated techniques.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate such elegant yet straightforward preparations.

Comfort meets gourmet in this crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies multiple taste preferences simultaneously.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of creamy, zesty, and savory elements that dance across your palate.

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken: A Flavorful Delight

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, creating a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a perfect balance of crispy chicken exterior and lusciously creamy sauce that coats each bite with rich, tangy flavors.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Whip up this impressive dish in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals, hungry families, or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, boneless and skinless cuts work best for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps create a crispy coating for the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic notes to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Builds a flavorful liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture for the sauce.
• Capers: Brings a tangy, briny element to balance the rich sauce.
• Lemon: Adds bright, fresh citrus notes to cut through the creaminess.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of color and fresh herb flavor as a garnish.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat each piece thoroughly in the mixture, gently shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet with butter and oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor with Garlic

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Briny capers

Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm in the sauce for 1 minute. Plate the chicken, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a burst of brightness and color.

Pro Tips for Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Coat Confidently: Press the flour-Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure a crispy, even layer that seals in moisture.
• Control the Heat: Use medium-high heat when sautéing to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the coating.
• Fresh is Best: Grate Parmesan cheese directly from a block for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-grated cheese.
• Thicken Smartly: Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, to develop a rich, creamy consistency without scorching.
• Garnish Generously: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a zesty punch.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. Properly stored chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and maintain the creamy sauce's texture. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Pairing Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Side Dishes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the creamy lemon chicken by serving a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity perfectly complements the dish's zesty and rich flavors.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Asparagus: Complement the chicken's creamy texture with tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, creating a balanced and elegant side.
• Match with Herbed Garlic Bread: Create a delightful accompaniment by toasting crusty bread with garlic, fresh herbs, and a light butter spread, which will soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy contrast.
• Add Fresh Arugula Salad: Introduce a peppery green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken, providing a fresh and light element to the meal.

Flavor Variations of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Zesty Mediterranean Flair: Swap capers for chopped kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese to the sauce for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Herbal Comfort Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary into the flour mixture, then finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped basil for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Spicy Southern Style: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the flour coating, then add a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a bold, fiery kick that brings Southern heat to the classic recipe.
• Rustic Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic before adding the sauce, creating a rich, earthy variation that adds depth and texture to the original chicken dish.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Juicy chicken breasts swim in a luxurious sauce of tangy lemon, rich parmesan, and silky cream, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both classic and adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut in half to make 4 pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons butter (or oil)

Seasonings and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cracked pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or plain)
• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons capers plus an extra 2 for garnish
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Liquids and Cream:

• ¼ cup chicken broth (stock)
• ½ cup half and half or heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• Juice from 1 lemon, about 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Combine all-purpose flour and grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish, creating a uniform coating mixture that will provide a crispy exterior to the chicken.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Carefully dredge each seasoned chicken breast in the flour-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even and complete coating while gently shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding unsalted butter and olive oil to create a perfect golden-brown cooking environment.
5. Carefully place coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a clean plate, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.
7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate maximum taste.
9. Slowly stir in heavy cream, additional grated Parmesan cheese, and briny capers, allowing the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken for 2-3 minutes.
10. Gently return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the breasts and letting them warm through for an additional minute.
11. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving, adding brightness and visual appeal to the dish.

Notes

• Chicken dredging creates a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture and adds a delightful crunch.
• Cooking in the same pan captures all the delicious browned bits, infusing deeper flavor into the sauce.
• Capers bring a tangy, briny punch that perfectly balances the rich, creamy sauce.
• Fresh lemon slices offer a bright, zesty garnish that cuts through the heaviness of the dish.
• Parsley adds a pop of fresh green color and a subtle herbaceous note to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg