Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

The Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken from Orchids + Sweet Tea is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy sauce. Infused with homemade Tuscan seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of cream, it's a perfect balance of brightness and indulgence.

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs organic chicken breasts

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

For the Tuscan Seasoning:

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp dried parsley

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried rosemary

For the Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups organic heavy cream

• 1 cup organic chicken stock

• 3 tbsp white cooking wine

• 4 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 cup chopped kale

• ½ lemon, sliced thin (skin on)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix until the chicken is fully coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Tuscan Seasoning:

   • In a small bowl, mix together dried thyme, smoked paprika, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   • Add the white cooking wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.

   • Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

   • Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

   • Add the chopped kale and lemon slices. Cook until the kale wilts, about 2 minutes.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes to heat through.

   • Serve the chicken with the creamy lemon herb sauce, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce complements a variety of sides, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 700 mg

• Cholesterol: 100 mg

• Potassium: 600 mg

• Calcium: 250 mg

• Iron: 2 mg