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This Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts in a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce. With fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of honey, this dish delivers a balance of savory and zesty flavors that make it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

2 cups chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon coarse black pepper

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (see notes)
1/4 cup flour
1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Other Ingredients:

1/2 cup dry white wine (see notes)
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Freshly cracked pepper for serving

Instructions

Prep Work:
- In a large measuring cup, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients before starting.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to 1/2 inch thick.
- Season both sides of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning. Lightly coat with flour, rubbing it over the surface. This adds texture, prevents sticking, and helps thicken the sauce later.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce:
- Turn off the heat and add the white wine to the skillet. Turn the heat to medium and scrape the bottom and sides with a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan, incorporating the flavorful browned bits. Let it bubble and reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
- Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw flour smell dissipates.
- Gradually add the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
- Lower the heat and slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Stir in the lemon juice gradually.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer uncovered for 4 minutes to absorb the flavors. Add lemon wedges and simmer for 1 additional minute.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and freshly cracked pepper, and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Flavorful: The combination of fresh lemon, creamy Parmesan, and savory chicken is irresistible.
Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Comforting Yet Elegant: A hearty dish with a touch of sophistication.

Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and quality Parmesan elevate the flavors.
Deglazing the Pan: Don’t skip this step! The browned bits from cooking the chicken add depth to the sauce.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken while it simmers in the sauce to prevent drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for coating the chicken.
No Wine: Substitute chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or basil for extra aroma.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Garnish with extra lemon wedges and Parmesan for added flair.