Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Name: Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup flour; 8 skinless boneless chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup mascarpone or 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Chopped fresh oregano and/or basil; Lemon wedges

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This creamy lemon Parmesan chicken is an easy yet impressive dish to prepare. Heres how you can make it at home!

Ingredients

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is ideal)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Chopped fresh oregano (for garnish)
4 lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare the creamy lemon Parmesan chicken:

Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese and the flour. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour and Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
Step 7: Return the browned chicken to the skillet and bring to a boil again. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 170F). The chicken should no longer be pink.
Step 8: Slice the chicken into pieces and return it to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh oregano and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Test Kitchen Tips

One medium lemon yields approximately 1 teaspoon of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice.
For best results, zest the lemon before juicing it. A microplane zester works best for getting fine zest.
If you don't have mascarpone, you can substitute with softened cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Fresh basil can also be used in place of oregano for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve With Lemon Parmesan Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crunchy green salad or over a bed of cooked bowtie pasta or rice. For more delicious side dish ideas, check out our collection of best side dishes for chicken.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Per Serving
Calories	874
Fat	57g
Carbs	34g
Protein	68g
Sodium	1286mg
Vitamin C	101mg
Calcium	288mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	1106mg

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

The Story Behind Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a modern twist on classic European-inspired chicken dishes. Its roots trace back to Italian-American cuisine, where the rich combination of cream, cheese, and citrus became popular in home kitchens during the mid-20th century. While not a traditional Italian recipe, it draws heavily on Italian flavors, particularly the use of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. The dish represents a balance between indulgent creaminess and the bright, tangy notes of lemon, making it a favorite in comfort food circles.

Regional Variations and Influences

Regional variations of this dish are most commonly found in the United States, especially in areas with strong Italian-American communities. In the Northeast, cooks often favor boneless skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, while in California, chicken breasts are preferred for a leaner option. Some Southern variations incorporate additional spices such as paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat, and in the Midwest, it is often paired with buttery mashed potatoes or corn-based sides. Herbs may vary regionally, with oregano and parsley being more common in the East and basil or thyme in the West.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan, which is breaded and baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella, Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken skips the tomato base and focuses on a velvety, cheese-heavy sauce enriched with lemon zest and juice. Compared to Chicken Piccata, which relies on a thin lemon-butter sauce with capers, this recipe uses a creamy blend of mascarpone or cream cheese, giving the dish a richer texture and deeper flavor. The subtle incorporation of fresh herbs elevates the dish, distinguishing it from simpler pan-fried or sauted lemon chicken preparations.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is commonly served as a dinner entre in home kitchens and casual dining restaurants. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables and is often presented at family gatherings, holiday meals, or weekend dinners. Some bistros and Italian-American restaurants feature it as a signature menu item because it is visually appealing, easy to portion, and satisfies both comfort food cravings and a sense of culinary sophistication. Lemon wedges on the side enhance the dishs bright, fresh aroma and allow diners to adjust the tanginess to their preference.

Interesting Facts

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese dramatically improves the flavor and texture of the sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
Using both lemon zest and juice maximizes the citrus flavor while preventing the sauce from becoming too acidic.
Mascarpone cheese was originally an Italian dessert ingredient, but it has become a versatile addition to savory dishes like this one.
The dish can be easily adapted for low-fat diets by substituting Greek yogurt or ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese without losing its creamy appeal.
It is often compared to upscale versions of chicken Piccata but offers a more indulgent, restaurant-style experience at home.

FAQ about Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and may require slightly less time in the skillet. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, which is a common alternative. You could also try ricotta or a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use the microwave, stove, or oven. If reheating in the stove, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to the sauce to keep it creamy.

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. Note that the sauce may separate slightly when reheated, but it can be stirred back together.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the sliced chicken back into it.

To reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat cream cheese instead of mascarpone and opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Additionally, consider using a reduced-fat version of Parmesan cheese. You can also serve the dish over a lighter side, such as steamed vegetables, to balance the richness of the sauce.

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. You could serve it over pasta, such as bowtie or spaghetti, or with rice. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or water, a tablespoon at a time. Stir until the desired consistency is reached.

To prevent the cheese from clumping, ensure that the heat is not too high when adding the mascarpone or cream cheese. Stir the mixture constantly and gradually add the cheese to allow it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Using room temperature cheese can also help it melt more evenly.

Comments

Cheers My Dears

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Absolutely lovely! I do also want to point out that it bothers me that somebody would leave a three-star review because of the fat content. If you don't like the fat content then just move on. It's awful to leave a review like that that has nothing to do with how the recipe tasted or whether it was good or not.

CC Hooked

08/30/2023 02:08:05 AM

SO good. Made a tiny change and added Romano for part of the Parmesan cheese. Will definitely make again. For those concerned with fat content, you can substitute low fat cream cheese, greek yogurt or ricotta for the Marscapone.

kls02a60

09/12/2023 01:58:33 AM

Great recipe! I recommend mixing the broth, mascarpone, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese before getting the chicken ready. I over cooked my garlic a bit because my sauce wasn’t quite ready to put into the pan. It still turned out great though! I did sprinkle (literally a tap from the bottle, almost none at all) cream of tarter into the sauce to make the lemon juice a bit more tart. It really made it lemony! My family all loved it which is rare to please all of them. Highly recommend!

BrightStir3473

09/01/2023 05:38:22 PM

On a scale of 1 to 10 for flavor I would rate this a 7.0 as listed in recipe. The Parmesan taste is hurt, as the listed flour and parm mix is not hardy enough to stay on the thighs when cooking. I even added some granulated Kraft Parmesan to try and add flavor to the coating. Next time and I will make it again, I think I will add the flower and grated parm to my food processor and get it better combined. As the grated parm just fell of in the an when browning the thighs.

wombat

09/06/2023 02:54:06 AM

This came out great I am in love with the sauce I used cream cheese as that's what I had . Chicken was so tender. Will definitely make again.

Mare

12/01/2023 10:19:44 PM

I made this with chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Turned out excellent! Thank you for the recipe. Will make again!

YellowSquid9831

11/12/2024 11:14:11 PM

My family loved it! I made it with cream cheese and used chicken tenders.

PJ Schmit

10/13/2023 09:59:52 PM

This is wonderful! I followed the recipe and didn’t need to thicken as I used a bit more chese and it thickened great! I will make again for certain!

Brian Brown

11/02/2024 11:34:53 PM

Quick, easy, and tastes like magic.

Chloe

04/23/2024 11:44:19 PM

No changes except had to add 1/4 cup more broth to thin the cheese sauce as the chicken did its final simmer. So good I didn’t add the herb topping here. Served with a side of basmati rice topped with the sauce and a small side salad. DELISH!!

OrangePecan1957

03/12/2024 10:59:28 PM

The cream cheese balanced out the lemon nicely so that it wasnt too tart. Wonderful flavor!

BrightSoy6697

02/26/2024 11:19:07 PM

Just not for me

Paul Scott

02/12/2024 06:40:27 PM

Bro, I didn’t think I could cook this well.

Mama Mia

01/06/2024 01:25:19 AM

Good. Like a decadent chicken piccata. Popped a few capers in at the end. Made mascarpone mashed potatoes with left over cheese, also good. Keeper.

RowdyDonut3230

09/07/2023 10:23:36 PM

Pretty much followed the recipe, I never use exact measurements, and loved it. Next time family comes to visit, this will be their welcome dinner. The subtle lemon gives it just the right little twist.

GentleSieve3916

08/31/2023 11:32:32 PM

Delicious. If you are worried about the fat content and know what the recommended daily intake is, you should also know appropriate substitutions to make a low-fat version. Be kind, be positive with your comments or make no comment and move on to another site that offers recipes to your liking and needs.

ProRoll8549

08/31/2023 09:44:56 PM

Delish! The per serving nutritional info is based on two large chicken thighs (about 80 g of protein) per person, BTW. This recipe easily could serve 8, rather than 4 people as listed. Just serve one large chicken thigh per person (about 40 g of protein), and the fat and sodium content will be much less than listed - though still a little on the high side. Compare the 2-thigh serving nutritional values with a chain restaurant chicken or burger meal, and you'll find that the sodium and fat content is about the same. You consume a lot of fat and salt when eating out! Definitely serve this recipe to a party of 8 with just one large chicken thigh and a smaller amount of the sauce person. Serve the dish over a cup of cooked pasta or rice, add a side salad with a light dressing and sparkling water to drink, and you're good to go. Not a diet meal even with one large thigh, but definitely less fat, sodium and calories than eating two large thighs with the sauce as listed!

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Test Kitchen Tips

What to Serve With Lemon Parmesan Chicken

How to Store Leftovers

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

The Story Behind Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Regional Variations and Influences

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Where Its Typically Served

Interesting Facts

FAQ about Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe