One-Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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So Creamy and Delicious- Better Than Takeout!

If you love bright lemon flavor, bold garlic, and restaurant-quality cream sauces, this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is about to become your new go-to dinner. It’s rich, silky, tangy, and deeply comforting—yet surprisingly easy to make at home, all in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy and satisfying, but elegant enough for date night or dinner with friends. The sauce alone is reason enough to make this recipe again and again.

What Makes This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Special

This dish is built on layers of flavor, not shortcuts. It starts with chicken cutlets seasoned simply and seared until golden, creating a flavorful base right in the pan. From there, sautéed onions and fresh garlic add depth, while a touch of garlic powder reinforces that bold, savory backbone.

Chicken stock brings richness and balance, followed by a béchamel-style cream base that turns silky as it simmers. Fresh lemon zest adds brightness without sharp acidity, while freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a glossy, luxurious finish. Lemon juice is added carefully at the end, so the sauce stays smooth and creamy while still delivering that fresh, tangy pop.

The result is a dish that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant—but better, because it’s made right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-style sauce made at home
  Creamy, glossy, and packed with flavor using simple, accessible ingredients.
  
• Bold garlic flavor in every bite
  A combination of fresh minced garlic and garlic powder builds depth without overpowering the dish.
  
• Bright lemon flavor without curdling the cream
  Lemon zest and carefully added lemon juice keep the sauce smooth and balanced.
  
• Ready in about 30 minutes
  Ideal for busy weeknights, but impressive enough for entertaining.
  
• One-pan recipe = easy cleanup
  Everything comes together in a single skillet.
  
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing
  Perfect for date night, family dinners, or meal prep.
  
• Customizable
  Add spinach for a nutritious, vibrant twist—or keep it classic and creamy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but the way they’re layered makes all the difference.

For the Chicken

• Chicken breasts or cutlets
  
• Olive oil and butter
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Onion powder
  
• Smoked paprika
  
• Pink Himalayan salt and coarse black pepper
  

For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

• Butter
  
• Fresh onion and garlic
  
• All-purpose flour
  
• Chicken stock
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice
  
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  

Optional Add-Ins & Serving Ideas

• Fresh spinach (for color and balance)
  
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
  
• Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for serving
  

(Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish comes together in a few simple steps, each building flavor along the way.

1. Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken generously. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides.

This step adds color and flavor that carries through the entire dish.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside while you build the sauce.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion until soft and fragrant. Add the fresh garlic and garlic powder, stirring just until aromatic.

Take care not to brown the garlic — this keeps the sauce smooth and balanced.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to form a quick roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the heavy cream and allow the sauce to gently simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add Lemon Zest and Parmesan

Stir in the lemon zest to brighten the sauce without adding acidity. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and glossy.

At this stage, the sauce should be rich, cohesive, and spoonable.

5. Fold in the Spinach (Optional)

If using, add the chopped spinach directly to the warm sauce and stir gently until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

The spinach blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding color and balance without overpowering the cream base.

6. Finish the Sauce with Lemon Juice

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the lemon juice, tasting as you go. This final step brings brightness while keeping the sauce smooth and creamy.

7. Return the Chicken and Serve

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and simmer briefly to warm through.

Spoon the sauce generously over each piece, then plate and finish with fresh herbs before serving over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Print

Once everything is finished and the sauce is silky and smooth, here are a few favorite ways to serve this dish:

Serving Suggestions

This creamy lemon garlic chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or baked potato
  
• Buttered pasta or egg noodles
  
• Garlic rice or plain white rice
  
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
  
• Warm crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Don’t rush the sear.
  Let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping. This browning builds flavor right in the pan and carries through the entire dish.
  
• Bloom the aromatics gently.
  Cook the onion and garlic just until fragrant and softened. Avoid browning, which can overpower the creamy sauce.
  
• Whisk continuously when building the sauce.
  Stir steadily as you add the broth and cream to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
  
• Use freshly grated Parmesan.
  It melts more evenly and creates a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
  
• Add spinach while the sauce is still building.
  Stir it in just long enough to wilt before finishing the sauce. This adds color and balance without overpowering the cream base.
  
• Adjust the sauce thickness before adding lemon juice.
  If the sauce thickens too much at this stage, loosen it with a splash of chicken stock or cream.
  
• Add lemon juice at low heat, as the final step.
  Stir it in slowly once the sauce is fully finished to preserve the creaminess and prevent curdling.

Recipe Variations

• Spinach Version:
  Stir in fresh baby spinach after the Parmesan melts and let it wilt into the sauce.
  
• Baby Kale:
  Sauté with the onions for a heartier, more rustic version.
  
• Mushrooms:
  Brown first, then stir into the sauce for extra depth.
  
• Lighter Option:
  Use half & half with a small amount of cream cheese to maintain richness.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
  
• Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed.
  
• Avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions