Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and fresh flavors. This dish features succulent chicken breasts cooked in a velvety cream sauce infused with bright lemon and fresh spinach, all topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a special weeknight meal, this dish is easy to prepare, satisfying, and full of flavor.

What makes this Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken stand out is its versatility and simple ingredients. The creamy sauce is made with just chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, while fresh spinach and lemon juice bring a vibrant, zesty kick. The whole recipe is made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s an elegant yet uncomplicated dish, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful meal ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything happens in one pan — from searing the chicken to making the creamy sauce, this recipe minimizes cleanup and simplifies the cooking process.
Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon and spinach bring brightness to the creamy sauce, while the Parmesan adds richness and depth of flavor.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a lighter version or want to add more vegetables, this recipe is easy to modify to fit your preferences.

Ingredients for Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken

This dish uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish, but frozen spinach can work in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain it well if using frozen spinach.
Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or milk.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the sauce. Avoid pre-grated versions, as fresh cheese will melt better.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential to the flavor of the sauce.
Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest provide a burst of citrusy brightness.
Olive Oil and Butter: For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the sauce and helps create the perfect consistency.
Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce.

These ingredients are all you need to make this delightful, creamy dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

How to Make Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Making Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken is simple and quick. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken and fresh spinach, comes together beautifully in just a few steps. Let’s walk through the process:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pound the Chicken: To ensure even cooking, use a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to pound the chicken breasts until they are of uniform thickness. This step is crucial for making sure the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The seasoning helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and complements the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Set Aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside. The chicken will be added back into the pan later, so don’t worry about keeping it warm just yet.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic will infuse the sauce with a delicious aromatic flavor.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — these bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add the Spinach and Combine

Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach into the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts down, which should only take about 1 minute. The spinach will shrink significantly, so don’t be alarmed by the size reduction.
Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken. This allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Simmer: Cover the pan and let everything simmer for another 2 minutes to let the sauce and spinach meld together and to warm the chicken through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Garnish: Once the chicken is done, garnish with thinly sliced lemon and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. The lemon slices add a fresh, zesty touch that enhances the flavors.
Serve: Serve the Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken immediately, perhaps alongside buttered pasta, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken

To make sure your Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips and ideas to help elevate the dish:

Key Tips for Success

Even Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents any parts from being overcooked. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin is an easy way to achieve this.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to sear them on both sides for 3-4 minutes, then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the dish a vibrant color and fresh flavor. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and drain it properly before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
Thick Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before adding the cream. This will help thicken the sauce quickly.
Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. The sauce will still be rich but less calorie-dense.

Variations and Substitutions

While this Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken recipe is delicious as written, here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

Add Mushrooms: For extra umami flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic in Step 2. Mushrooms will add depth and texture to the sauce.
Substitute Protein: You can swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

What to Serve with Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize based on what you have available or your guests’ preferences:

Pasta: Serve this creamy chicken dish over fettuccine, angel hair, or penne to soak up the delicious sauce.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or risotto is a great base for this rich, creamy sauce.
Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the creamy spinach sauce.
Veggies: Steamed asparagus, roasted zucchini, or a simple green salad will complement the flavors of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for later:

Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce might change in texture. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce as it warms up.