Of course! This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s deceptively easy to make at home. It’s rich, elegant, and packed with flavor that will absolutely steal the show.
Why This Recipe Steals the Show
The magic here is in the pan sauce. By searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection and then building a sauce in the same pan, you capture all those delicious browned bits (the fond). The result is a luxurious, creamy Parmesan sauce with the bright zing of lemon and the savory depth of garlic, all clinging to tender, juicy chicken.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, pounded to even thickness)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or paprika
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a better sear)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 ½ cups chicken broth
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
· ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even ½-inch thickness. This is the #1 secret to juicy, evenly cooked chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning/paprika. If using, lightly dust both sides with flour, which will help create a beautiful golden crust and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
- In a large skillet (stainless steel or cast iron work best), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving, until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a clean plate to rest. Tent loosely with foil.
Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer—do not boil vigorously.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Impress
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
· Pound That Chicken! This is non-negotiable for preventing dry, overcooked edges and a raw center.
· The Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting smoothly.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
· Cream Control: To prevent the cream from curdling, never let it come to a rolling boil. A gentle simmer is perfect.
· Sauce Too Thin? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Too thick? Thin it out with a splash of chicken broth.
· Add Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms to the sauce when you sauté the garlic for a complete meal.
This dish is the perfect combination of elegant enough for company and easy enough for a weeknight. Enjoy your show-stopping meal