Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
If you’re ready to brighten up your weeknight routine, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe. It’s a lively, indulgent dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps or a million ingredients to deliver chef-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken gets kissed with paprika, seared until golden, then cloaked in a creamy, tangy, and herb-packed sauce that’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews at the dinner table. Whether you pair it with pasta, rice, or a crusty hunk of bread, you’ll want to savor every last drop of this irresistible sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe lies in its accessible, kitchen-staple ingredients. Each one brings its own pop of color, richness, or kick of freshness, coming together for a skillet supper that’s way more than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for juicy, quick-cooking protein that lets the sauce shine.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all those savory chicken flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika: Gives the chicken color and a warm, smoky undertone.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and building a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves release bold aroma and the signature flavor the sauce depends on.
- Chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and deepens the sauce with a savory backbone.
- Heavy cream: Delivers velvety body and balances the acidity of lemon juice.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty complexity and helps thicken up that luscious sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens every bite and cuts through the richness—freshly squeezed is a must!
- Lemon zest: Packs citrusy punch and aromatic oils you just can’t get from juice alone.
- Italian seasoning: A shortcut to big herb flavor with basil, oregano, and more in one sprinkle.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a burst of color and garden-fresh finish.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps get that beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika, gently pressing the spices into the chicken. This little flavor foundation guarantees every bite is seasoned to perfection, and your kitchen already smells amazing.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, gently add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, being patient so you can develop that caramelized exterior. The chicken should be fully cooked, but still juicy inside. Set the chicken aside on a plate and keep it warm as you work your sauce magic in the same pan.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the minced garlic right into those tasty pan drippings. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—you want to unlock the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Instantly, your kitchen will be intoxicating!
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into your skillet, scraping up those golden bits stuck to the bottom for maximum flavor. Mix in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce slightly thickens and turns irresistibly silky.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Nestle the chicken back into the pan, spooning that velvety sauce generously over the top. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes—just enough for the chicken to reheat and soak up the flavor. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is officially ready to steal the show at dinnertime.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A finish of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a gorgeous green pop, but brings a touch of freshness that brightens every bite. For extra elegance, try a little extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of lemon zest, which makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This recipe is practically made for pairing: try tender pasta, warm rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to capture every drop of the sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli make a lovely, colorful contrast, and a light garden salad completes the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of buttered noodles, swirl some sauce over risotto, or pile it high in a shallow bowl with roasted potatoes underneath. For a fun twist, tuck the chicken and sauce into toasted ciabatta for an Italian-inspired sandwich or use as a topping for a gourmet pizza night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to ensure the meat stays moist and packed with flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. While cream sauces can sometimes separate, a gentle stir while reheating usually brings everything back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce looks too thick. The microwave works too, but cover the dish to keep moisture in and heat in short intervals for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for this recipe; just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cream and Parmesan?
You can substitute coconut cream and use nutritional yeast with a pinch of salt in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version of this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe. The results are still rich and satisfying!
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem—just mix your own from dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary or marjoram. It’ll deliver the same herbaceous flavor punch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches. Doubling the sauce is always a good idea (no one ever complains about extra sauce around here).
Will this recipe work for meal prep?
Definitely. The Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe holds up well in the fridge, and individual portions can be easily packed with rice, veggies, or noodles for quick, impressive lunches all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a mealtime winner, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is pure joy on a plate. There’s just something irresistible about creamy, zesty sauce and juicy chicken, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Give it a go—you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that result in a creamy and tangy dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then smothered in a rich sauce made with garlic, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, and seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to enjoy the sauce fully.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
