Description
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken is the perfect balance of rich and zesty flavors. The creamy sauce, packed with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish that’s easy to make for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through. - Serve:
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve the creamy lemon herb chicken with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat version of Parmesan cheese.
- You can add more lemon juice for a tangier sauce if you love the lemon flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a green vegetable like asparagus or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared, Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 125mg