Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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When you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters, it’s hard to beat Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich, nutty Parmesan cheese in a way that’s light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

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Whether you’re trying to impress a dinner guest, feed your family something healthy, or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is a go-to. Plus, it pairs beautifully with just about any side—from pasta and roasted veggies to salads and mashed potatoes.

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👨‍🍳 Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife & cutting board

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• Large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel)

• Tongs or spatula

• Microplane or zester

• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)

• Meat mallet (optional for even cooking)

🕒 Quick Overview

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking. You can cut them in half lengthwise or pound them to about ½ inch thickness.

2. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Optional: Lightly dredge the chicken in flour. This helps form a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).

3. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), reduce heat to medium.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

3. Pour in the chicken broth or wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Optional: Add heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier, richer sauce.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon, salt, or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

1. Add the chicken back into the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

2. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

This chicken is super versatile—dress it up or down based on your vibe!

Perfect Pairings:

• Pasta: Angel hair, spaghetti, or fettuccine work beautifully.

• Roasted veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.

• Rice or orzo: A fluffy, neutral base to soak up the sauce.

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mash + zesty lemon chicken = perfection.

• Salad: A crisp arugula or spinach salad balances the richness.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just real food.

• Fast cooking time: On the table in under 45 minutes.

• Big flavor: Garlic, lemon, and Parmesan bring bold Mediterranean vibes.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults love it.

• Flexible: Works for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or date night.

🍋 Variations to Try

Love the base recipe? Here are ways to keep things interesting:

1. Add Veggies to the Skillet

2. Make it Spicy

3. Use Chicken Thighs

4. Make It Keto

5. Add Capers or Olives

🔁 Leftovers and Meal Prep

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices up to 24 hours in advance.

📝 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)

This dish is low-carb and high-protein. You can easily make it keto or gluten-free by skipping flour or using GF alternatives.

📌 Tips for Success

• Flatten the chicken: Even thickness = even cooking = no dry spots.

• Deglaze properly: Don’t skip scraping the pan after searing—the flavor is golden.

• Zest before juicing: Always zest your lemon before you cut it open.

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.

• Taste and adjust: Lemon varies in strength—trust your palate.

🍷 Wine & Drink Pairings

• White wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pair beautifully with the lemon and garlic notes.

• Sparkling water with lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, a fizzy citrus drink complements the flavors.

• Lemon-mint iced tea: Adds a refreshing herbal twist to the meal.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Sear the chicken first for color, then transfer it to a baking dish and pour sauce over it. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cooked through.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and let it rest before slicing.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

You can! Just slice it and warm in the sauce for a super-quick shortcut meal.

🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts

This Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is proof that a simple dish doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few ingredients and a single pan, you get a flavorful, juicy chicken dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy Sunday meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. (You can also cook this on the stovetop.)
2. Prepare chicken:
   Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
3. Make the marinade:
   In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, lemon juice + zest, and half the Parmesan. Pour over chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge if you have time).
4. Cook:
   Oven method: Place marinated chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
   Stovetop method: Heat a skillet with remaining olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Add Parmesan during the last couple minutes so it gets melty and golden.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Notes

Over pasta with a drizzle of the pan juices

With roasted veggies and mashed potatoes

Sliced onto a salad or in a wrap

Over rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option

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