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Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is a zesty and creamy dish combining bright lemon flavors with rich Parmesan cheese and tender chicken breasts. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it balances tangy citrus notes with a silky cheese sauce, offering a comforting yet elegant meal that appeals to all ages.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, even-sized chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: thin lemon slices or extra lemon juice for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and add lemon zest, scraping the pan to lift any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and finely grated Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the Parmesan sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 3-5 minutes to soak up the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Optionally, garnish with thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of extra lemon juice. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicy results.
  • Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Avoid overheating the sauce to prevent curdling and maintain its silky texture.
  • Zest lemons before juicing to retain aromatic lemon peel flavor.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-searing and simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Parmesan Sauce, Easy Dinner, Creamy Chicken, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free