Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
The onion powder adds subtle savory depth, while smoked paprika brings warmth and color without overpowering the sauce.
For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (added at the end)
- 3/4-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 cups fresh spinach (optional, for color and balance)
For Serving (Optional)
- Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), for garnish
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken.
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the aromatics.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - Build the roux.
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. - Create the creamy sauce.
Slowly whisk in chicken stock, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened. - Add Parmesan and lemon zest.
Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest until melted and glossy. - Fold in spinach (optional).
If using, add spinach and stir just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. - Finish with lemon juice.
Lower heat and slowly stir in lemon juice, tasting as you go. - Return the chicken and serve.
Nestle chicken back into the sauce, spoon sauce over top, garnish with herbs, and serve.
Notes
- Chicken breasts or cutlets both work — adjust cook time as needed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest sauce.
- Fresh spinach is optional and wilts directly into the sauce in just a minute or two.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm chicken stock or cream.
- Add lemon juice at the very end and over low heat to keep the cream sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American