This Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken Recipe is a creamy and zesty recipe, which is made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 6 (4-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped parsley
- 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped dill
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives
- 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced basil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken
- Prep and Dredge Chicken: Add the flour to a shallow bowl and season it generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pan. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Carefully pour the white wine into the hot pan to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the grated garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Stir about three-fourths of the fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives, and basil) into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, turning each piece to coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of chicken is best? Chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they are more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. However, you can use thinly pounded chicken breasts if you prefer, just be careful not to overcook them.
- How to prevent the cream sauce from curdling? After bringing the sauce to a simmer, keep the heat on medium-low. Boiling cream, especially with the addition of acidic lemon juice, can cause it to separate or curdle. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Can I make this without wine? Yes. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- How to get a good sear on the chicken? Make sure your skillet and oil are properly heated before adding the chicken. The oil should be shimmering. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in two batches if necessary.
What To Serve With Lemon Chicken
This creamy chicken and its delicious sauce are perfect for serving over:
- Angel hair pasta or egg noodles
- Fluffy white rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- A side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli
How To Store Lemon Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has become too thick.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 35g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
While Parmesan adds a specific nutty, salty flavor, you could substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
What if I don’t have all the fresh herbs?
The combination of herbs adds a wonderful freshness, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Parsley and chives are a great base, or you could use just one or two of the herbs listed.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I fix it?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce further. You can also make a small slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken Recipe
Description
Tender, pan-fried chicken thighs are coated in a rich and zesty lemon-Parmesan cream sauce, loaded with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge seasoned chicken thighs in flour.
- Pan-fry the chicken in hot olive oil for 4-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the garlic, cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in most of the fresh herbs.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat with the sauce, and garnish with the remaining herbs before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing chicken thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t let the cream sauce boil rapidly, as this can cause it to separate.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe fresh herbs at the end add a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eScraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (the u0022fondu0022) is key to a flavorful sauce.u003c/liu003e
