Introduction
This delightful chicken dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, brightened with lemon and enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfectly served over pasta, this recipe is a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
- 600g (1.2 lb) chicken breasts (2 large)
- 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 40g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth/stock
- 3/4 cup heavy/thickened cream
- 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste, start with 3 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
- Pasta of choice (e.g., linguine)
- Finely chopped parsley
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin steaks, resulting in four thin steaks in total. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
If the skillet is dry, add a small amount of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to dissolve any browned bits. Add the Parmesan cheese and simmer for approximately 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the lemon juice if necessary.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Serve the chicken over pasta or mashed potatoes. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and spoon additional sauce over the top.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken breasts are trimmed of any excess fat for a cleaner presentation and better texture.
Cooking Method
Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard according to your taste preferences.
Pasta Choice
Linguine pairs well with this dish, but you can use any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cuts, ensuring even cooking. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances flavor before dredging in flour to create a crispy exterior.
Cooking the Chicken
Use medium-high heat to melt butter in a skillet. Cooking the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden ensures a crispy texture. Removing it before adding the sauce prevents overcooking.
Preparing the Sauce
Sauté minced garlic briefly to release its aroma before adding liquid ingredients. Simmering the mixture helps dissolve browned bits for added flavor. Cream and cheese create a rich, thick sauce.
Combining and Serving
Return the chicken to the sauce for coating, which merges flavors. Serving over pasta or mashed potatoes offers a hearty dish, with parsley as a fresh garnish to elevate presentation.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used; they will have a slightly different flavor and texture, but they work well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You may substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter, although the sauce may be thinner.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I adjust the sauce to be dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute, and nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
What type of pasta pairs best with this dish?
Linguine is a great choice, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon chicken with Parmesan sauce served over pasta makes for a delightful meal that balances richness with bright citrus flavors. The combination of tender chicken and a luscious sauce ensures a satisfying dining experience that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in garlic butter, serve over rice or pasta with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Chicken Marsala
Use chicken breasts, sautéed with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.
Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Pan-sear salmon fillets and serve with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over a bed of spinach pasta.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs, then grill and serve with quinoa and grilled veggies.
Pasta Primavera
Sauté seasonal vegetables in olive oil, toss with pasta, and finish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Chicken Alfredo
Prepare a simple alfredo sauce with cream and Parmesan, combine with fettuccine and grilled chicken.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fry a mix of your favorite vegetables in soy sauce, serve over jasmine rice or noodles.
