Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken

Looking for a dish that’s creamy, zesty, and full of flavor? Look no further than this Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken! The tender chicken is smothered in a rich and velvety sauce made from Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a burst of lemon that brings everything together perfectly. This dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl—comforting and satisfying, yet light and bright at the same time. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a go-to recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Trust me, this one is a keeper—simple ingredients, easy to make, and sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken

Creamy, Tangy, and Flavorful:

The combination of Parmesan, cream, and lemon creates a sauce that’s rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor. The fresh herbs—like basil and thyme—bring a fragrant touch that perfectly complements the creamy base.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but impressive. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet sophisticated enough for seasoned cooks.

Comforting Yet Light:

While the creamy sauce adds richness, the bright lemon cuts through the heaviness, making this dish feel fresh rather than overly indulgent.

Versatile:

Serve it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a delicious, well-rounded meal. You can even swap in chicken thighs for a juicier option, or make it your own by adding extra veggies or spices.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for your Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, creating a tender, juicy base for the creamy sauce. You could also use thighs if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and creating a flavorful crust.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken for the best taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish that irresistible aromatic base.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce. It adds richness and gives the sauce that velvety texture we love.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: The lemon brightens up the sauce and gives it a fresh, zesty kick. The zest adds extra lemony flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Thyme, or Parsley): Fresh basil and thyme add a fragrant and aromatic flavor to the dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A little chicken broth helps to loosen the sauce and make it the perfect consistency.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken:

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Lemon

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Then, add the fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring well to combine. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy from the lemon.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes to ensure it’s fully coated and heated through. Add fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy lemon herb Parmesan chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or with your favorite vegetable sides. Spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken and garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 440mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 39g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken

This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken can be served in many different ways, depending on your cravings or dietary needs:

With Pasta:

Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of your favorite pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work wonderfully to soak up that creamy sauce.

On a Salad:

For a lighter meal, serve the chicken on top of a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette.

With Roasted Vegetables:

Pair the creamy chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. They add a lovely crunch and balance the richness of the sauce.

With Rice:

Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce and make for a satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:

For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The fresh cheese melts better and gives the sauce a richer taste.

Make it Spicy:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Add Extra Veggies:

You can easily add extra vegetables to this dish, like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Simply sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream and Parmesan for a one-pan meal.

Make it a One-Pan Meal:

For easy clean-up, consider adding some veggies (like spinach or cherry tomatoes) to the skillet after removing the chicken. Let them simmer in the sauce for a complete, flavorful meal.

Store Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a skillet.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just be sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

Q4: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A4: If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) to the sauce and cook until thickened.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Q6: How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
A6: For added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a dash of Dijon mustard to the sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or tarragon.

Q7: Can I serve this with mashed potatoes?
A7: Absolutely! Mashed potatoes would be a fantastic side to soak up all that creamy sauce. You could even top the potatoes with some extra Parmesan for a cheesy kick.

Q8: Can I use frozen chicken?
A8: It’s best to thaw the chicken first, as cooking frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking. For the best texture, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight.

Q9: How long does it take to cook the chicken?
A9: Chicken breasts typically take about 5-7 minutes per side to cook through, depending on their size. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q10: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
A10: Yes, absolutely! Adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas would be delicious. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream and Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken is everything you could want in a meal—creamy, zesty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or making a special dinner for loved ones, it’s sure to impress. So grab your chicken, fresh lemon, and Parmesan, and let’s get cooking!

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