When you think of comfort food that still feels a little fancy, this dish instantly comes to mind. Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a combination of golden seared chicken with a bright, tangy sauce that’s balanced by silky cream and cheese. Every bite feels cozy but also a bit gourmet — the kind of plate you’d serve to impress guests or reward yourself after a long day.

It has that perfect trio: lemon for freshness, parmesan for richness, and garlic for depth. Combined, they create a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight. Let’s break it down piece by piece so you can recreate this beauty at home.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets).
• Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose — helps crisp the crust.
• Parmesan (for dredging): 2 tablespoons finely grated, adds nutty flavor to the crust.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken simply yet effectively.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon — keeps things light but flavorful.
• Butter: 2 teaspoons, for a touch of richness in frying.
• Garlic: 2 tablespoons, minced — brings warmth and aroma.
• Chicken Broth: 1 ¼ cups, forms the base of the sauce.
• Half & Half (or Cream): ½ cup, creates the creamy body.
• Parmesan (for sauce): ⅓ cup fresh and finely grated.
• Capers: 2 tablespoons plus extra for garnish — salty little pops of flavor.
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon mixed with water, optional thickener.
• Lemon Juice: 2–3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for brightness.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped — the finishing touch.

When Is the Best Time to Serve This Dish?

This dish feels like a celebration — so it naturally works for weekend dinners, date nights, or holidays. Picture it on the table with candles flickering, making everyone think you spent hours fussing, when in reality, it’s a 30-minute miracle.

That said, it’s also perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with quick sides like pasta or roasted vegetables, and dinner suddenly feels restaurant-worthy without taking forever. It travels well, too, making it an excellent choice for potlucks or family parties.

How to make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken?

Step 1: Dredge the Chicken

Mix flour and parmesan in a shallow bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and coat them lightly. Shake off any excess — that thin layer will give a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 2: Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Cook the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer it to a warm plate — don’t worry, it’ll return soon.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a trattoria in Italy. This step layers the base with warmth and depth.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and half & half, keeping the heat low so everything melds slowly. Add parmesan and capers, letting the mixture simmer into a delicate, slightly thick sauce.

Step 5: Balance with Lemon

Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the sauce. Stir gently and let it simmer for a minute — the cream mellows the tartness, leaving a silky bright kick at the end.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Place chicken back into the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and let it simmer just long enough to soak up flavors. Garnish with parsley and extra capers before serving.

What Can You Serve with Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken?

Pasta is a classic pairing — spaghetti, linguine, or even lemony orzo works. Rice, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta also make fantastic companions. The sauce is so dreamy that you’ll want something starchy to soak up every last drop.

If you’re going lighter, consider zucchini noodles, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad. The dish is versatile, so it adapts beautifully to both indulgent and lighter sides.

Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try

No cream on hand? Use evaporated milk for a lighter texture or add extra stock and thicken with more parmesan. Don’t like capers? Olives give a similar briny punch without overpowering. Fresh thyme or basil can also be swapped in for parsley, especially if you want an herbier twist.

If you’re gluten-free, skip the flour and dredge the chicken in almond flour with parmesan — still crispy but with a nutty note. And if chicken breast isn’t your style, boneless thighs add tenderness and a bit more richness.

Tips

• Go Fresh: Use freshly grated parmesan, not the powdered kind. Trust me, it makes or breaks the sauce.
• Don’t Rush the Pan: Let the oil and butter heat enough before adding chicken, so you achieve a crisp sear without sogginess.
• Cream vs. Half & Half: If you want a lighter finish, opt for half & half; for indulgence, heavy cream is unbeatable.
• Use a Wide Skillet: Overcrowding prevents browning. Space the chicken for an even, golden crust.
• Taste Before Serving: Balance of lemon and salt is personal — adjust before plating.
• Reheat Correctly: Warm on low in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving too long; it may split the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken combines humble ingredients into something truly elegant. The creamy sauce isn’t just luxurious, it’s brightened by citrus and sharpened by parmesan — keeping it from ever being too heavy. It’s the kind of dish that makes ordinary evenings memorable.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a reader favorite, a cook’s go-to, and a dinner-time star. Whether served on a busy Wednesday or at a weekend gathering, this golden chicken with silky lemon parmesan cream is bound to leave empty plates and full hearts on your table.

Print Recipe

Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Author: katie Smith Cooking Method: Sautéing, Simmering Cuisine: Italian Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 14.00 Calories: 480

Best Season: year-round

Description

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a reader-favorite, restaurant-quality dish that brings together tender chicken breasts in a luxuriously smooth sauce bursting with lemon, garlic, and double the Parmesan. Inspired by Chicken Piccata but elevated with a creamy twist, it's crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and simmered to perfection in a bright, tangy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect served over pasta, rice, or zoodles!

Ingredients

Servings

For The Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
• 2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or plain)
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (finely grated, fresh (do not use pre-grated from a can))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch cracked pepper

For The Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons butter (or oil for dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• ¹⁄₂ cup half and half (or heavy cream, or evaporated milk)
• ¹⁄₃ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated, fresh)
• 2 tablespoons capers (plus 2 extra tablespoons for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening))
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating

   In a shallow bowl, mix flour and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Set aside.
   Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the Chicken

   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and pan is hot. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil.
   Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté the Garlic

   In the same pan, add minced garlic (add a light spray of oil if pan is dry) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   Mark as complete

4. Build the Sauce

   Reduce heat to low-medium. Pour in chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cheese and Capers

   Stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons capers. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until sauce begins to thicken. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until sauce reaches desired consistency.
   Cornstarch helps stabilize the sauce and prevent separation.
   Mark as complete

6. Finish with Lemon

   Stir in lemon juice and simmer for 1 more minute. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 1 minute to let chicken absorb the flavors.
   Adjust lemon juice to taste—start with 2 tbsp and add more if desired.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve immediately over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra capers, lemon slices, and fresh parsley.
   Great with fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1 chicken cutlet + sauce

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 115mg39%

Sodium 980mg41%

Potassium 680mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 14g5%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 42g84%

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Calcium 320 mg

Iron 1.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Fresh Parmesan is key: Do not use pre-grated Parmesan from a container—it contains anti-caking agents and has a stronger, less creamy flavor.
• Cream alternatives: Use heavy cream for richness, half-and-half for balance, or evaporated milk for a lighter option.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of half-and-half.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent sauce separation.
• Make it heartier: Serve over pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce for a silky finish.

Keywords: creamy lemon parmesan chicken, chicken piccata, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken, Parmesan chicken, lemon garlic chicken, weeknight dinner, gourmet comfort food