Get ready to fall in love with the Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe, a dish that perfectly balances zingy lemon brightness, savory Parmesan richness, and fresh herbaceous notes. This comforting and elegant meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce that you’ll want to savor again and again. Each bite bursts with flavor and a lovely creaminess that makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the herbs brightening the sauce or the Parmesan adding that irresistible cheesy depth.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 tbsp butter: Brings richness and helps build a silky sauce texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides savory moisture and balances the creaminess with lightness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The base for the sauce that delivers smoothness and indulgence.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Imparts a vibrant, fresh citrus tang that awakens the palate.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Boosts lemon flavor without extra acidity, offering fragrant oils.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Provides subtle earthiness and complexity (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme).
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. This ensures they develop a beautiful golden crust and enhances their natural flavor. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken on each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Luscious Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter to the same skillet. When melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes, intensifying its taste.
Step 3: Add Cream, Cheese, and Lemon
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken and take on a velvety texture. Now add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and thyme—these fresh ingredients really make this Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe pop with brightness and aroma.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes, so the chicken absorbs the creamy, tangy flavors. This final simmer helps the sauce cling perfectly to the chicken, creating that irresistible, luscious finish.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. If you love lemon, a few thin lemon slices or extra zest can make the presentation really shine.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it alongside buttery garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or even a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also complement the dish perfectly by adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, arrange the chicken breasts on a platter, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. For a casual meal, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or pasta, letting the sauce soak into every bite—utter comfort on a plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken submerged in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken breasts with sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help revive the sauce’s consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but they will take longer to cook through. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Coconut cream can work for a dairy-free version but will impart a slightly different flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese don’t contain any gluten additives. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Can I prepare this ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, this Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe reheats nicely. Prepare the dish completely, cool it, and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture without curdling the sauce.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley or thyme?
Dried herbs can be substituted: use about half the amount if fresh is not available. Alternatively, fresh basil or oregano can work well for a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining bright, fresh lemon with comforting cream and herbs. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
Print
Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made from garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce with Lemon and Herbs: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it heat together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less thick.
- Chicken breasts can be pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
