Description
This creamy lemon chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts in a luscious and tangy parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seared and simmered in a garlic-infused sauce enriched with lemon juice and Italian seasoning, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves four. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to make.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
- 1/2 tbsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each breast evenly with sea salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts without moving them and sear for 4-8 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of about 160°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice and taste the sauce, adjusting the amount of lemon juice to your preference for brightness and acidity.
- Finish cooking chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Simmer on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is hot through and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the proper internal temperatures during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Italian seasoning is optional but adds a nice herbal depth; you may substitute with dried basil or oregano.
- Adjust lemon juice carefully to avoid overpowering the creamy sauce with acidity.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
