Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that tastes like sunshine on a plate, let me introduce you to the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that always turns an ordinary weeknight into something magical, all thanks to juicy chicken breasts, zesty lemon, and a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. Trust me, this recipe has become a secret weapon in my kitchen for those moments when I need impressive results with minimal fuss, and I can’t wait to share every delicious detail with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe truly shine. Each component brings its own delicious personality, whether it’s the creamy depth from Parmesan or that pop of freshness from lemon zest, and together they create a flavor harmony that’s downright irresistible.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide tender, meaty bites that soaks up all the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps the chicken develop that beautiful golden color in the pan.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the bright and savory flavors in every ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Gives a light kick and enhances the zestiness in the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle underlying garlic note alongside the fresh garlic for double the flavor.
- Butter: Offers luxurious richness and helps the garlic sauté to fragrant perfection.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves, minced, infuse the sauce and the chicken with unmistakable savory aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Lifts the flavor of the sauce, deglazes the pan, and keeps everything juicy.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and decadent—there’s nothing quite like it!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for nutty, salty complexity and extra creaminess.
- Lemon Juice: One tablespoon brings a bright, tangy balance to the rich sauce.
- Lemon Zest: Just a little goes a long way in adding fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor to every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs ties everything together for truly Italian-inspired notes.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and an herbaceous finish—plus a little extra for garnish makes the dish look gorgeous.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This quick step infuses the chicken with flavor before it even hits the pan. Don’t be afraid to press the seasonings in gently to make sure every bite is as tasty as possible!
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 6–7 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The magic here is developing that gorgeous caramelized crust—it means extra flavor later in the sauce! Set the chicken aside on a plate when done.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t wash it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, just until it smells incredible. Be careful not to burn it—just light golden and fragrant is perfect.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe gets its savory backbone! Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let this dreamy mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes—it’ll thicken and come together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts and any juices to the skillet, spooning plenty of sauce over the top. Let them simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken is heated through and coated in lusciousness. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for extra color and that fresh herb pop. Now your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is ready for the table!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A generous shower of chopped parsley is the ultimate fresh garnish for this recipe—it adds a garden-bright flavor and makes the whole dish look restaurant-worthy. A few extra lemon slices or additional lemon zest can also be scattered on top for an extra citrus burst and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
One of the best parts about the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is its versatility—you can serve it over a tangle of buttery pasta, next to creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside simply roasted vegetables. The sauce is so good you’ll want something that soaks it all up, so don’t forget some crusty bread if you’re feeling a little indulgent!
Creative Ways to Present
To take presentation up a notch, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over your chosen side, then drizzle that creamy herb sauce generously across the top. For a fun, family-style approach, serve everything straight from the skillet in the center of the table, with a big pile of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so they continue to mingle and develop even more flavor overnight.
Freezing
The Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe can absolutely be frozen for later. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready for round two, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend gently warming the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen things up. The microwave works in a pinch, but use short bursts and cover to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may need a few more minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, half-and-half or even whole milk can work, but keep in mind the sauce may not be quite as rich or thick. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream, though it will give the sauce a subtly different flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your store-bought chicken broth to ensure it contains no added gluten.
How can I add extra brightness or tang?
For an even more vibrant flavor, simply add a little more fresh lemon juice or zest to the sauce just before serving. You can also finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an extra-savory finish.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully, and you can double the batch if you want leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. Just store the chicken with plenty of sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe is always such a hit in my home—it brings mega flavor in minimal time and feels special enough for company or just a weeknight treat. If you love bright, zesty, creamy, and comforting dishes, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Give it a try and let yourself be swept away by just how delicious easy chicken can be!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce. This Italian-inspired dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce bursting with the zesty flavors of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For extra brightness, add more lemon juice to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
