Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you are searching for a meal that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with a zesty, luscious finishing touch, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a perfectly crisp Parmesan and herb crust, then topped with a divine lemon cream sauce that brings a bright, creamy balance to every bite. Low carb and keto-friendly, it’s a delicious option that feels indulgent without the extra carbs, making it one of my favorite dishes to whip up when craving comfort food with a fresh twist.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows nine white dishes on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. At the top right, a white plate holds soft, pale pink raw chicken pieces with a smooth texture. Below and to the left, a small white bowl is filled with fine, off-white grated cheese. To the right of that, a white bowl contains a creamy white liquid, smooth and thick. Below the cheese, a small white bowl with a light yellow liquid is placed beside a tiny white dish filled with minced pale yellow garlic. Below these, a small white bowl holds black pepper with a coarse texture, and next to it, another white bowl contains mixed dried herbs with green and brown tiny leaves. Below and slightly to the right, a small white bowl has light golden oil, and at the bottom right corner, a small white bowl is filled with fresh green chopped herbs. An uncooked brown egg is placed near the creamy liquid bowl, standing out against the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each adds a layer of flavor or texture that works harmoniously: from the sharpness of Parmesan to the tang of fresh lemon juice, and the heartiness of tender chicken to the creaminess of heavy cream. Here’s what you need to create this delightful dish.

Heavy cream: Provides a rich and velvety base for the lemon cream sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Garlic cloves: Adds fragrant depth and a savory kick to the sauce.
Fresh lemon juice: Infuses the sauce with refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Offers a perfect citrusy and peppery balance that enhances the sauce’s flavor.

Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for both the crispy chicken crust and creamy sauce, delivering intense, nutty flavor.
Large egg: Works as a natural binder to help the Parmesan crust adhere to the chicken.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings a medley of herbs that complement the Parmesan crust with savory complexity.

Olive oil: Important for crisping the chicken to a golden, crunchy perfection without overpowering the flavors.
Chicken breasts, thinly sliced: The tender, juicy star of the dish that takes on all the wonderful flavors beautifully.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce

Start by bringing your heavy cream to life in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning, letting these ingredients mingle until the mixture slowly bubbles around the edges. This gentle simmer is where the magic happens. Once it reaches this point, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor — set this aside to keep warm while you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Set up your coating station with two shallow bowls. Whisk the egg in one bowl to create an egg wash that will help your crust stick beautifully. In the other bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese with dried Italian seasoning to form a fragrant, flavorful coating. Dip each thinly sliced chicken breast first in the egg wash, then press it firmly into the Parmesan mixture to ensure each piece is generously crusted. This step is key to getting that irresistible golden crust you’ll love.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken. Carefully place each piece, letting it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken just once to maintain the integrity of the crust, cooking the other side for 3 to 5 minutes until equally crispy and cooked through. The result is tender chicken encased in a crunchy, cheesy shell.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and generously spoon the warm lemon cream sauce over each piece. This finishing touch creates a heavenly balance between crispy and creamy, savory and bright that defines the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Four pieces of cooked chicken lay in a white pan with a wooden handle, each piece showing a golden-brown crispy crust with visible black pepper and herbs. The chicken pieces are arranged with two near the top and two at the bottom, sitting in a light layer of oil. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the texture of the crispy chicken skin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that pairs amazingly with the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of lemon zest can also elevate the overall presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Since the chicken is low carb and hearty, pairing it with light and fresh sides works best. Consider steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach with garlic, or a crisp mixed green salad. For a more indulgent touch, creamy mashed cauliflower or roasted Brussels sprouts bring delicious textures and flavors that complement the lemon cream sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or zucchini noodles. You can also slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with the sauce drizzled artistically, perfect for sharing. Adding thin lemon slices or edible flowers makes the dish irresistibly chic and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose a bit of its crispness but will remain flavorful and perfect for a quick reheat.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The sauce is less freezer-friendly due to the cream, but you can make it fresh when reheating the chicken after thawing.

Reheating

To keep the crust as crispy as possible when reheating leftovers, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop and pour over the chicken right before serving for that fresh, creamy experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and can add extra flavor, though they may take slightly longer to cook. Be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly and slice them thinly for even cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for keto and low-carb diets?

Yes, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles since it skips traditional breadcrumbs and uses Parmesan cheese for the crust instead.

Can I make the lemon cream sauce dairy-free?

You can try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but expect a different flavor profile. The sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy, but still delicious in its own right.

What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing black pepper with a bit of finely grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt. It freshens up the sauce wonderfully.

How do I ensure the Parmesan crust sticks well to the chicken?

Using the egg wash before coating with Parmesan and Italian seasoning is essential. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even crust that stays put during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to delight. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to earn a spot on your dinner party menu. The combination of crunchy, cheesy chicken and smooth, tangy sauce hits every craving perfectly. Give it a try – I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need