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• Why You Need My Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Lemon Parmesan Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Creamy Lemon Chicken (20 Minutes) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

This creamy lemon chicken is one of my favorite dinners for those times when the weather can’t decide if it’s going to be warm or cool. The bright lemon flavor screams spring, but it’s still warm, cheesy, and comforting for cooler days. I also love it in the summer because I don’t have to turn on the oven. And if you need another reason to whip up this lemon parmesan chicken, I have 4 more reasons below. Make it with me!

Why You Need My Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken in tangy, creamy sauce – The sauce is what takes this creamy lemon chicken from plain pan seared chicken breast to something special. It’s rich and silky, but the tangy flavor gives it a lighter vibe too. If you like chicken piccata or garlic butter chicken but also enjoy cream sauces like I do, you’ll love this one.
• Quick and easy – This dish takes all of 20 minutes to make, all in one pan, with simple staples you might already have in your fridge and pantry.
• Clean ingredients, with no thickeners – I’m big on fresh simple ingredients, so unlike many other recipes, my lemon parmesan chicken doesn’t have any flour or other starch. Instead, it’s thickened naturally with cheese.
• Versatile for any occasion – Yes, you might notice I make meal like this a lot! This one looks like it came from a restaurant, so it’s totally worthy of your date night, but the simplicity makes it check all my weeknight boxes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the ingredients for my lemon parmesan chicken, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below .

Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts – Choose cuts similar in size so they cook at the same rate. Mine were about 8 ounces each. You could also make creamy lemon chicken thighs or even chicken tenderloins instead — just keep in mind cook time can vary.
• Basics – Salt and pepper for seasoning, and olive oil for searing. Avocado oil works, too.

Lemon Parmesan Sauce:

• Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream – These combine to make the base of the sauce. You can substitute coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for less dairy, but this lemon parmesan chicken still has dairy from the cheese.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – A.k.a. my natural thickener and flavor booster in one! I use the refrigerated ones over the shelf-stable kind in a plastic can, because it melts more smoothly. You can grate it yourself, too. Other hard cheeses, like Romano or Asiago, work as well.
• Lemon Juice – For that bright flavor. I recommend freshly squeezed. Feel free to throw in lemon zest too for extra lemony-ness.
• Garlic – Mince your own, or get it jarred to save time.
• Flavor Boosters – Minced garlic is non-negotiable in my book. Italian seasoning is optional, but I think it adds wonderful flavor to this creamy lemon chicken.

How To Make Lemon Parmesan Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the chicken. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot cast iron pan on both sides, until browned and nearly done. Remove to a plate and cover with foil.

1. Make the sauce base. Add the minced garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant. Add the broth, cream, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a couple minutes.

1. Thicken with cheese. Reduce the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, until melted and smooth. Stir in lemon juice.
2. Bring it all together. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer your creamy lemon chicken until completely cooked through. I like to garnish with parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color — you can opt for lemon wedges instead if you want a squeeze on top!

My Recipe Tips

• Pat the chicken dry for a better sear. Just use a paper towel before seasoning. Counterintuitively, this also locks moisture inside during cooking.
• Your pan will affect how this dish cooks. I use and love this enameled cast iron braiser , which is large enough to fit all the chicken in a single layer, gets me a nice sear, and cooks everything fast. Nonstick pans might need higher heat for the searing step, and longer time for the simmering step.
• Be careful not to overcook. Sauce helps to keep it from being dry, but nothing can fully save overcooked chicken ! I aim for 160 degrees F during the searing step, and it gets fully done when you simmer the chicken in creamy lemon sauce at the end.
• Turn down the heat if needed. I always start at medium-high to get that golden sear on the chicken, but if it’s dark enough and not cooked enough inside, you can lower the heat to finish.
• Scrape the bottom of the pan after adding the liquid. This is called deglazing, and it releases yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan into your sauce for more flavor.
• How to thicken the sauce more: If your creamy lemon chicken sauce turned out thinner than you like, you can easily thicken it by adding more parmesan. Or sometimes I just simmer it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly, until the bubbles take a little longer to pop. Just keep in mind that it thickens more as it cools from hot to warm (melted cheese and all!). I’ve ended up with it too thick by accident, so be careful.

Serving Ideas

This creamy lemon chicken recipe can go with just about anything, but to me it screams “spring dish”, so I love it with light and fresh spring sides:

• Veggies – I prefer something in the oven, so my side dish can roast while I cook the lemon parmesan chicken on the stove. My faves with this dish are roasted asparagus , garlicky roasted green beans , or roasted artichokes . You can also make parmesan brussels sprouts or bacon wrapped asparagus if you want to get fancy without the effort.
• Salads – Try my Greek salad , antipasto salad , or avocado Caprese salad .
• Starches – I highly recommend a base to enjoy every last bit of this creamy lemon sauce. You can go basic with oven roasted potatoes or rice, or keep it lighter with mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 cup Heavy cream ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional) ▢
• 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese ▢
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (to taste) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron pan (I like this enameled cast iron one ) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-8 minutes per side, without moving, until browned and almost done (internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F). Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth, cream, and Italian seasoning, if using. Simmer for 2 minutes .
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, until it melts into a smooth sauce.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, and adjust amount to taste if desired.
7. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer the chicken in sauce for 1-2 minutes , until hot and completely cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F).

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your chicken stay juicy, what to watch for with the sauce, and how to adjust the thickness.
• Store: Keep creamy lemon chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the cream sauce will separate.
• Reheat: I usually place the chicken back in a skillet, scrape the sauce over it, and heat gently over medium heat. Be careful not to let the heat get too high, or the sauce can separate.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Spring Ebook Bundle and my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Creamy Lemon Chicken (20 Minutes)

My creamy lemon chicken with parmesan is light, bright, and cheesy all at the same time. It’s an easy dinner that takes just 20 minutes!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/creamy-lemon-parmesan-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (to taste)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron pan (I like this enameled cast iron one ) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-8 minutes per side, without moving, until browned and almost done (internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F). Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth, cream, and Italian seasoning, if using. Simmer for 2 minutes .
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, until it melts into a smooth sauce.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, and adjust amount to taste if desired.
7. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer the chicken in sauce for 1-2 minutes , until hot and completely cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F).

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your chicken stay juicy, what to watch for with the sauce, and how to adjust the thickness.
• Store: Keep creamy lemon chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the cream sauce will separate.
• Reheat: I usually place the chicken back in a skillet, scrape the sauce over it, and heat gently over medium heat. Be careful not to let the heat get too high, or the sauce can separate.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Spring Ebook Bundle and my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)