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Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken with Parmesan

Two golden-brown pieces of creamy lemon chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

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Make restaurant-quality creamy lemon chicken in your skillet. This recipe delivers tender chicken breasts in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce flavored with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet 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.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. 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.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
  9. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra zest, add a pinch more lemon zest at the end.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the cheese.
  • This dish pairs well with cooked pasta or steamed asparagus.

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