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Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken with Parmesan

A close-up of seared chicken breast sliced open, covered in a rich, creamy lemon sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

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Make tender chicken breasts in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive for company.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

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 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 and set it aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. 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. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Serve this creamy lemon chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
  • For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of capers to the sauce when you add the cream.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the Parmesan.

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