Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

 

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken




Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and cream. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to making Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Season and Flour the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.

  2. Sear the Chicken:

    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Preparing the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic:

    • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. Add Chicken Broth:

    • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  3. Add Cream and Parmesan:

    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

  4. Add Lemon and Seasonings:

    • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Combining Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Return Chicken to Skillet:

    • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

  2. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken:

  • Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.