Make restaurant-quality creamy lemon chicken right in your skillet! This quick recipe delivers tender chicken bathed in a bright, zesty, and rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let it simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of capers to the sauce when you add the broth.
If you are planning your meals for the week, this recipe works well with many meal planning strategies.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
If you are looking for alternatives to cooking at home, check out best meal delivery services for inspiration.