Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan and Herb Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, flavorful lemon garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a balance of bright citrus and rich Parmesan in every bite.

In a round silver pan, there are five pieces of cooked chicken breasts covered with thick, creamy light yellow sauce speckled with herbs and black pepper. The chicken pieces have a golden-brown grilled texture showing through the sauce. Lemon slices are placed between and on top of the chicken, adding bright yellow accents. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish for color. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the pan. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with some green herbs visible on the left edge and a white cloth partially seen on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (can substitute half and half)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¾ teaspoon each parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish
  • Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, heavy cream, and all the dried seasonings. Set this mixture aside for the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch thick using the textured side of a meat mallet.
  3. Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning, then sprinkle flour over each side and rub it in evenly. This adds texture and helps thicken the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Turn the heat off, pour in the white wine, then turn heat back to medium. Add the smashed garlic cloves and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in butter and flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  7. Step 7: Gradually add the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth and thick.
  8. Step 8: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to thicken.
  9. Step 9: Reduce heat to low, then slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add lemon juice, mixing gently to avoid curdling.
  10. Step 10: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Heat through for 5 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  11. Step 11: Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley before serving. Optionally, add a crunchy panko topping for extra texture.

Tips & Variations

  • Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with still plenty of creaminess.
  • For a crunchy top, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the chicken before serving.
  • If you don’t have dry white wine, substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference; roasting whole cloves first can mellow the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

A metal pan filled with five golden brown chicken breasts partially covered by a creamy, light yellow sauce with small black pepper specks, garnished with chopped green parsley scattered on top and around the chicken. Several thin lemon slices with bright yellow rinds and pale interiors sit on the chicken and sauce, adding color contrast. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a few sprigs of fresh parsley and a soft white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They will be more flavorful and tender, but may require slightly longer cooking time.

What can I serve this dish with?

This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Steamed or roasted vegetables also complement the bright lemon and garlic flavors nicely.

Print
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan and Herb Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon pepper, garlic, and herbs, then finished with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and bright lemon juice. This easy stovetop recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and buttery flavors, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons flour (for dredging)
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish)
  • Parsley (for garnish)

Sauce

  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 68 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 34 tablespoons lemon juice (4 tablespoons recommended)
  • ¾ teaspoon each: parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Topping

  • Crunchy panko topping (see notes)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine chicken broth, bouillon cube, heavy cream, and all seasonings (parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder, onion powder) in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before starting cooking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking.
  3. Season and Dredge: Season both sides of each chicken slice with lemon pepper seasoning, then sprinkle flour over them and rub to coat evenly. This adds texture, prevents sticking, and thickens the sauce later on.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  5. Deglaze with Wine and Garlic: Turn the heat off. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits with a silicone spatula. Turn heat to medium and add smashed garlic cloves. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes, to concentrate flavor.
  6. Make the Roux: Add butter and flour to the skillet with wine and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and build a flavorful base.
  7. Incorporate Broth Mixture: Slowly add the chicken broth mixture in small amounts, stirring continuously to maintain sauce thickness and avoid separation. Once all is added, bring the sauce to a boil.
  8. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
  9. Add Cheese and Lemon: Lower heat to minimal or remove from heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, then add lemon juice slowly to prevent curdling, giving the sauce a bright finish.
  10. Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Heat gently for 5 minutes or until sauce reaches desired thickness and chicken is heated through.
  11. Serve: Optionally, sprinkle crunchy panko topping over the chicken for added texture. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • White wine can be substituted with more chicken broth or a dry vermouth if preferred.
  • Optionally, sprinkle crunchy panko breadcrumbs toasted in butter on top before serving to add texture.
  • Use a silicone spatula to scrape the fond from the skillet for maximum flavor in the sauce.
  • Pounding the chicken to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Adding lemon juice off heat prevents the cream from curdling and maintains a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy chicken skillet, lemon pepper chicken, Parmesan chicken recipe, stovetop chicken dinner

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