Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Experience the rich and delightful flavors of Tuscany with this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken! This mouthwatering creamy chicken recipe brings together the perfect combination of homemade Tuscan seasoning, tender chicken, velvety heavy cream, and the wholesome goodness of kale. Incredibly easy to prepare, it's an ideal summer dinner + satisfying, easy weeknight meal that will leave your taste buds singing. Even the kids will love this creamy chicken! Totally Gluten-free. Dairy-free option.

What Makes This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken So Good?

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a game-changing easy weeknight dinner recipe that deserves a spot on your weekly rotation. Not only is this rich and creamy meal perfect for feeding the family on busy nights, but it's also perfect for meal prepping lunches throughout the week.

Creamy chicken recipes are a HUGE hit with my family! From the irresistible Weeknight Creamy Chicken Alfredo and Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup to one of my most popular recipes of all-time Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken! Indulge in the creamy goodness of these dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Today y'all, we are here to talk about this divine Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken! This is a one-pot meal, so cooking and clean-up are as easy as can be. So if you're in search of a vibrant summer dinner that combines the best of both worlds—bright flavors and comforting satisfaction—then this Creamy Lemon Parmesan chicken deserves a top spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

The ingredients for this creamy chicken recipe are important for developing the right flavor notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken. You can use a mixture of thighs and drumsticks, just remove the skin first.
• Tuscan seasonings. I like to create my own personal blend of dried thyme, smoked paprika, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary.
• Butter. Use unsalted butter to control the flavor of the dish.
• Olive oil. Extra fat to this dish that adds additional flavor.
• Garlic. I recommend fresh, but you could use ½ teaspoon granulated garlic.
• Chicken stock. Use low-sodium store-bought or make your own.
• Heavy cream. I recommend organic–always!
• White wine. Choose a dry wine that you like the taste of.
• Lemon juice. You can use store-bought or freshly-squeeze juice from an actual lemon.
• Parmesan cheese. You could also use pecorino romano.
• Kale. Use fresh for best results, but frozen also works! Ensure that it’s chopped.
• Lemon zest and slices. Use freshly grated lemon zest and thin slices of ½ a lemon for extra bold lemony flavor---the highlight of this dish.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken

Cooking creamy lemon herb parmesan chicken is generally an easy process—in total, about 30-35 minutes, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner.

• First, start by cleaning and washing your chicken pieces to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized.
• Once your chicken is clean, then it’s seasoning time! I’m all about seasoning every “layer” of my food. Therefore, the chicken gets direct seasoning, and so does the sauce. Let everything marinate for 5-10 minutes.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and once fully heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the seasoned chicken and cook on each side until seared, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once brown on each side, add in the remaining ingredients and bring everything to a simmer until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through.

Homemade Tuscan Seasoning Blend

Sure, you can find pre-made seasoning blends at the grocery store. But there’s nothing like the fresh, customized flavor you get by making your own blend. The herbs and spices in the Tuscan spice mix for this recipe are inspired by the fresh herbs that grow in Italy, mixed with a bit of heat from smoked paprika.

You can store the seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Use it on anything from simple roasted vegetables to salad dressing to herb oil for dipping bread.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DISH!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You'll LOVE This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Comforting and satisfying: It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect all year round!
• Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with picky eaters.
• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Easy weeknight dinner sorted!
• Ideal For Meal Prepping: This creamy chicken recipe is a convenient + delicious option for lunches or dinners on busy days.
• Flavor explosion: Brace yourself for a party in your mouth!

How to Serve

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in various ways to suit your preferences. You can add to a fresh salad, pasta, gnocchi, on tacos, atop homemade pizza, or make a grain bowl.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this delightful pesto chicken. Here are a few more scrumptious ideas to inspire you:

• Inside Sandwiches + Wraps + Burgers
• With Noodles
• With Fries or wedges, I LOVE enjoying it with these Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries
• Atop Mashed Potatoes
• Atop Rice, Faro, or try with Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice

Can I Substitute the Chicken in this Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! If you don't eat chicken or meat, you have several options for substituting it in this recipe. Here are a few suggestions:

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives. Use your favorite Plant-based Chicken substitute or tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These options can provide a similar texture and protein content as chicken.

Vegetables. Swap the chicken for a medley of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini. Sauté or roast them until tender and incorporate them into the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce.

Chickpeas or Beans. Add a plant-based protein boost by using cooked chickpeas or your favorite beans as a substitute for chicken. They can provide a satisfying texture and complement the flavors of the dish.

Is Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Good For Me?

Absolutely! Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken can be a nutritious and satisfying choice for a weeknight dinner. Here's why it's good for you:

• Lean Protein. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. The dish incorporates kale, which provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.

• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients. The combination of lemon, Parmesan, and kale adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meal.

• Balanced Meal. This dish offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded option for your dinner.

In the end, be sure to look for the highest quality ingredients that you can find. It really makes a difference in the final dish.

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Q + A's

More Weeknight Dinner Recipes

• Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta + Mozzarella
• Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
• Creamy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken + Spinach Tortellini 
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice
• One-Pot Creamy Lobster and Orzo
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Roasted Tomatoes

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!

Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken

June 18, 2022 •

By Shanika

5 from 5 votes

Experience the rich and delightful flavors of Tuscany with this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken! This mouthwatering creamy chicken recipe brings together the perfect combination of homemade Tuscan seasoning, tender chicken, velvety heavy cream, and the wholesome goodness of kale. Incredibly easy to prepare, it's an ideal summer dinner + satisfying, easy weeknight meal that will leave your taste buds singing. Even the kids will love this creamy chicken! Dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CHICKEN:

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

TUSCAN SEASONINGS:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tsps dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

SAUCE:

• 4 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
• 1 cup organic chicken stock
• 3 Tbsps white cooking wine
• 4 Tbsps freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup chopped kale
• ½ lemon, sliced thin (skin on)

Instructions

SEASON THE CHICKEN:

• In a large bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with the salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and thyme, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

COOK THE CHICKEN:

• In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat, add the butter and once fully melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the seasoned chicken and cook on each side until seared, about 3-4 minutes each side. Once brown on each side, remove from skillet and set unto a plate to "rest" while you make the sauce.

TO MAKE THE CREAMY LEMON TUSCAN SAUCE:

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil until heated.
• Add in 1-2 Tbsps tuscan blend seasonings and stir until well combined.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream, chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and white wine, stirring until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the lemon slices, stirring them into the sauce.
• Add in the chopped kale, stirring until combined and return the chicken breasts. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Stir the sauce occasionally and spoon it unto the chicken breasts as they continue to cook.
• Remove from heat once done.
• To serve, enjoy the chicken with your favorite side (i.e. rice, pasta, veggies, etc.). Garnish with a bit of grated parmesan (for extra cheesy flavor), if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus. 
• TUSCAN SEASONING (STORAGE): Any leftover tuscan blend seasoning can be stored in a ziplock bag or jar for later use or used as garnish. 
• DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1718kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 122g | Fat: 123g | Saturated Fat: 67g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 599mg | Sodium: 3394mg | Potassium: 2432mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 8323IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 778mg | Iron: 6mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

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Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken.

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