Name: Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chicken broth; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that’s luxurious yet refreshingly light, Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken will absolutely steal your heart (and your taste buds!). Imagine velvety Parmesan-kissed sauce with an uplifting zing of lemon, enveloping golden, juicy chicken. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating your family, every bite of this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken feels like a little celebration. It’s special enough for a holiday but effortless enough for a cozy weeknight, and I promise: it’s about to become one of your staples!

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted at how a handful of classic ingredients come together to jazz up this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken. Each component not only brings its own character but also elevates the flavors, texture, and even the presentation of this dreamy dish.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for quick, even cooking and the perfect canvas for that luscious sauce.
Salt: Essential for building flavor right from the start—season both sides of the chicken!
Black pepper: Adds just the right bit of subtle heat for balance without overpowering the creaminess.
Olive oil: Helps get those chicken breasts beautifully golden while keeping things light and heart-healthy.
Butter: Infuses the base with a gorgeous richness, amplifying the luxurious feel of your sauce.
Garlic: A burst of aroma and depth; minced garlic wakes up the whole dish.
Heavy cream: Delivers velvety, dreamy texture—this is what makes the sauce cling so beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The key to an irresistibly savory and cheesy sauce—freshly grated melts best!
Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough and adds subtle savory undertones.
Lemon (juice & zest): Brightens everything up, lifting the creamy flavors and making them sing.
Dried Italian herbs (optional): Adds a lovely herby note if you’re after a Mediterranean flair.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top for a gorgeous, fragrant finish—optional but highly recommended!

How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper. This little step is crucial—not only does it ensure that every bite is flavorful, but it also helps form that beautiful golden crust once the chicken cooks. Don’t rush this step; a well-seasoned chicken breast is the foundation of delicious Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter, letting everything melt together. When it’s shimmering and fragrant, nestle the chicken breasts into the pan. Sear for about 6–7 minutes per side until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks through (an internal temp of 165°F is your magic number). Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest. The aroma alone at this stage will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Turn the heat down a notch and toss the minced garlic into the skillet—give it a quick, aromatic sauté (about 30 seconds will do). Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to lift up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the pan (they pack so much flavor!). Here’s where the magic happens: stir in the lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as the cheese melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce. If you love herbs, now’s the time to sprinkle in those dried Italian herbs too!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the juicy chicken breasts and any delicious juices back to the skillet. Spoon that gorgeous Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. It’s so tempting, you’ll want to grab a spoon and taste straight from the pan!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Finish with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top for color and a fresh herbal lift. Whether you’re spooning the chicken and sauce over hot pasta, fluffy rice, or vibrant steamed veggies, your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is ready to steal the spotlight. Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

There’s something about a fresh garnish that really makes Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken pop! Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and a hint of brightness. If you adore a bit more zing, add a few extra curls of fresh lemon zest before bringing the dish to the table.

Side Dishes

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken pairs perfectly with a cozy bed of pasta or buttered rice, which soak up that dreamy sauce beautifully. If you want a lighter meal, serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. Crusty bread is always welcome for a bit of that classic sauce-mopping action!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not spoon your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken over lemon-infused orzo, or serve family-style on a big platter scattered with lemon slices and herbs? For a dinner party flair, slice the chicken and fan it over creamy mashed potatoes, drizzle with sauce, and finish with microgreens for a show-stopping main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken will keep its deliciousness for up to three days in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container as soon as it’s cool. This way, the flavors actually develop a bit more, making the leftovers even more irresistible for lunch the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, tuck cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, store sauce and chicken together—when thawed and reheated, the sauce might separate slightly but will come back together with gentle stirring.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken again, reheat slowly over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving, if possible, to keep that cream sauce from overheating or splitting.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs make the dish even juicier and add deeper flavor. Simply adjust the cooking time if they’re bone-in or thicker cuts, and keep an eye on that internal temperature for doneness.

Is it possible to make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken dairy free?

You can experiment with full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. The lemon and herbs still make it bright and tasty!

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Throw in a handful of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms just before returning the chicken to the sauce. They’ll add color, flavor, and a bit of extra nutrition.

What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are all excellent choices—anything that holds plenty of sauce. The creamy lemon Parmesan sauce clings perfectly to both long and short noodle shapes.

How can I make the sauce extra thick?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer an extra few minutes before returning the chicken to the pan. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan at the end for a cheesier, thicker texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is one of my absolute favorites to share—it’s bold in flavor, a total breeze to prepare, and that dreamy sauce turns any evening into something special. Go ahead and try it; you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again!