Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful chicken recipe featuring garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, then simmered in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. The addition of Parmesan cheese makes the dish creamy and indulgent. It’s an ideal meal for those who love fresh, zesty flavors combined with rich, savory ingredients.
Cooking Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. With the chicken being sautéed and the garlic butter sauce prepared in the same skillet, the dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The recipe requires about 6-7 minutes of cooking on each side for the chicken to reach the perfect golden-brown finish.
The combination of lemon and garlic brings a bright, fresh taste that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy Parmesan. One of the standout moments when making this dish is how easily it comes together with just a few simple ingredients. The chicken stays juicy while absorbing all the flavors from the garlic butter and the tang of the lemon, creating a delightful dish that can be served over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables.
Why You’ll Love It Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan creates a perfect balance of zest and richness. This easy-to-make recipe will leave your taste buds satisfied without any complex steps.
- Quick and Easy: Whether you’re in a rush or cooking a family dinner, this dish comes together in no time. With minimal preparation, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Tasty: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is packed with protein and nutrients. It’s a great option for anyone seeking a healthy yet flavorful meal that fits perfectly into any diet.
Ingredient Notes for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the base for this dish. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown. It also prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- Butter: Butter enhances the richness and creates a smooth sauce with garlic and Parmesan. It also gives the chicken a crispy, golden exterior.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for this recipe. Their aromatic flavor adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter and Parmesan. It also adds a fresh, citrusy note to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that coats the chicken perfectly, creating a savory crust.
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano brings an earthy, Mediterranean flavor to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with the lemon and garlic for a well-rounded taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly bitter taste that balances the richness of the dish.
- Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges are served on the side for extra zest. They add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice when needed.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When preparing Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, fresh ingredients are key. Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavour. Fresh garlic will also elevate the taste, making your dish stand out. These small details can make a big difference in the final outcome.
For an extra burst of flavour, marinate the chicken. Allow it to sit in the lemon-garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavours, resulting in a more savoury meal. Marinating will also make the chicken more tender.
Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. You can sprinkle some extra herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavour profile. Adjust the lemon or garlic quantity according to your preference, creating a dish that’s perfect for your taste.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Variation
If you’re looking to switch up the flavours of your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, there are several variations you can try:
- Spicy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic and lemon sauce for an extra kick.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the parmesan. This will create a creamy, luxurious coating for the chicken.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or asparagus to the skillet for a complete meal. Just toss them in with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
These variations allow you to personalise the dish to suit your preferences, giving you even more reasons to love this simple yet delicious recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving this dish:
- With a Side of Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty meal. The creamy sauce works wonderfully with the noodles.
- With Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli. The flavours complement each other perfectly.
- On a Salad: Add the sliced chicken to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with extra lemon dressing for a zesty twist.
- With Rice: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken also goes great with rice, whether it’s plain white rice, brown rice, or a fragrant jasmine rice.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry — Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken stores well! Here are some storage options:
- Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag after cooling. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
FAQs About Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
How do you make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
To make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Then, cook the chicken until golden brown and serve it with your favourite sides.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier dish. The marinade works well with both cuts, giving them that same delicious lemon-garlic flavor.
How long does it take to make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This includes time for marinating and cooking the chicken to perfection.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt completely and start to sizzle.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but not burnt). Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic-lemon sauce over the chicken. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the chicken and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
