**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 4
# Introduction
Dive into a scrumptious meal with our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan recipe! This rich dish combines the crispiness of chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It is the perfect recipe for a hearty family meal or a sophisticated dinner party.
# Why Make This Recipe
This flavor-packed recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds with a harmonious blend of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter flavors, all beautifully balanced with the subtle sharpness of Parmesan. It’s a simple and yet sophisticated dish, which is also quite quick and straightforward to prepare. Your kitchen will be filled with mouth-watering aroma that will make everyone impatient for mealtime!
# How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan
This delightfully creamy and tangy chicken dish can be made with a few simple steps:
# Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
2. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
4. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer for roughly 2 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece.
7. Finally, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
# How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan
Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal. You can also pair this dish with a light, refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
# How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a small amount of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist if necessary.
# Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan
For a crispy exterior and juicy interior, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken — cook in batches if necessary. Also, avoid stirring or turning the chicken too often to give it a chance to get a nice sear.
# Variation (if any)
For a bit of a twist, consider adding capers or sundried tomatoes to the sauce. Or, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
# FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this dish. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs often take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While we recommend using real butter for its rich flavor and creamy texture, you can use margarine as a substitute if you prefer.
3. Can I make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with a non-dairy creamer, and using a dairy-free cheese substitute.