Description
This creamy lemon pepper chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful lemon pepper sauce enriched with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure the chicken is well-flavored before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts smoothly, enriching the sauce’s creaminess and flavor.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the chicken through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the creamy lemon pepper chicken immediately, ideally over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- For an extra burst of brightness, add a lemon wedge on the side when serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper, based on your preferences.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
