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Restaurant-Quality Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Two pan-seared chicken breasts covered in a creamy lemon sauce, ready to serve.

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Make this easy, one-pan creamy lemon chicken dinner at home. The rich garlic Parmesan sauce and bright lemon flavor create a dish impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 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.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Whisk in the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken.
  8. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb the sauce flavor.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with your preferred vegetables. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning.

Notes

  • For a tangier sauce, add 1 tablespoon of capers along with the chicken broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
  • This dish pairs well with sides like roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes. Consider this recipe when looking for alternatives to meal delivery companies.

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