Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe that comes together in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a flavorful lemon Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, half of the salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, the remaining salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve warm alongside your favorite pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
