Few meals capture the essence of summer quite like the Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that transports you to the warm, sunny hills of Tuscany. Packed with the brightness of lemon, the richness of parmesan, and a medley of herbs, this dish offers a delightful balance of creaminess and zest. The addition of kale introduces a touch of wholesome nutrition, making it a well-rounded dish perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners. Even better, this recipe comes with easy substitutions, so you can adapt it to suit dietary preferences, including a dairy-free option.
PrintCreamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken: A Summer Delight for Every Occasion
🌟✨ Elevate your dinner game with Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken! 🍋🧄 This creamy dish is loaded with fresh herbs, tangy lemon zest, and a cheesy Parmesan kick that’s irresistible. 🧀🔥 Serve it hot with your favorite side dish for a restaurant-quality meal at home. 🍗🌿 Perfect for family dinners, summer parties, or simply treating yourself! 💛
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Tuscan Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons 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
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- 1 cup organic chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
- 4 tablespoons 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
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cleaning and rinsing your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with sea salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet (preferably 12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, until beautifully seared and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the Tuscan seasoning blend and stir until aromatic. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, chicken stock, lemon juice, and white cooking wine, whisking as you go to ensure the ingredients combine smoothly. Add the lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus flavor. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese. As it melts, the sauce will thicken to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Toss in the thinly sliced lemon rounds, stirring to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the sauce.
4. Add the Greens and Simmer
Fold in the chopped kale, allowing it to wilt slightly in the warm sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender and fully cooked, while soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep the sauce evenly distributed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some additional grated parmesan on top before serving.
Notes
- Searing the Chicken: A good sear locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before serving. Add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, the Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken promises to impress both your palate and your dinner guests. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to prepare this standout dish.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
A great dish begins with quality ingredients. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the 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
For the Tuscan Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons 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
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- 1 cup organic chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup chopped kale
- ½ lemon, sliced thin (skin on)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this masterpiece is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to ensure every element is cooked to perfection.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cleaning and rinsing your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with sea salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet (preferably 12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, until beautifully seared and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the Tuscan seasoning blend and stir until aromatic. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, chicken stock, lemon juice, and white cooking wine, whisking as you go to ensure the ingredients combine smoothly. Add the lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus flavor. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese. As it melts, the sauce will thicken to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Toss in the thinly sliced lemon rounds, stirring to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the sauce.
4. Add the Greens and Simmer
Fold in the chopped kale, allowing it to wilt slightly in the warm sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender and fully cooked, while soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep the sauce evenly distributed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some additional grated parmesan on top before serving.
A Symphony of Flavors
The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The chicken, seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, provides a robust and savory base. The creamy lemon sauce is a revelation—rich and velvety, with just enough acidity from the lemon to brighten every bite. The parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth, while the kale introduces a subtle earthiness and satisfying crunch. Thin slices of lemon, cooked in the sauce, provide bursts of tanginess that cut through the richness, keeping the dish light and refreshing.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility is one of the strengths of this recipe. Here are some tips for substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter in place of regular butter. Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese.
- Greens: Not a fan of kale? Substitute with spinach, broccolini, collard greens, or even asparagus. Each will add a unique twist to the dish.
- Protein: While chicken breasts are the star here, boneless chicken thighs or even shrimp can be excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your chicken stock and white cooking wine are gluten-free. Serve the dish over gluten-free pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
The Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice or buttery basmati rice are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Pasta: Toss some al dente linguine or fettuccine in the sauce for a creamy pasta dish.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or carrots add a vibrant touch.
- Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Tips for Success
- Searing the Chicken: A good sear locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before serving. Add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors to your liking.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are a treat! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and adaptable to different dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
From the rich, creamy sauce to the bright zest of lemon, every bite is a celebration of comfort and indulgence. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bring a taste of Tuscany into your kitchen. Bon Appétit!