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30-Minute Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Four golden-brown pieces of creamy lemon chicken resting in a rich, pale yellow lemon cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Make restaurant-quality creamy lemon chicken quickly in one skillet. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, zesty sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness. Mix salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If using spinach, add it now and cook until wilted.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta, which can simplify your meal planning.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the broth reduce longer before adding the cream.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal delivery companies when you need a fast, satisfying dinner.

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