Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy lemon chicken recipe features crispy parmesan-crusted chicken breasts smothered in a tangy, buttery garlic lemon sauce that’s bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights — quick to prep and full of bright, fresh flavors. The chicken is coated in a crispy parmesan crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with a rich lemon butter sauce that adds the perfect tangy finish. Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite veggies for a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts, sliced and pounded to even thickness
- Eggs mixed with garlic and Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese mixed with flour for the crispy coating
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Butter and minced garlic sautéed until fragrant
- Fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to create a tangy, savory sauce
- Seasoned with black pepper for a little bite
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Lemon Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then gently pound them to an even thickness. - Coat the Chicken:
Whisk together eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix parmesan cheese and flour. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat generously with the parmesan mixture. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Lower the heat if the crust browns too fast. - Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, chicken broth, and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. - Serve:
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken, turning to coat well. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the egg mixture before coating for extra juicy and tender results.
- No Parmesan Crust? Skip the egg and parmesan for a lighter version; simply season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Use Chicken Thighs: This recipe works with thighs or tenderloins; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add Veggies: Toss in asparagus, zucchini, or green beans to the skillet to cook in the lemon butter sauce for a complete meal.
What to Serve With
Serve this lemon chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced dinner that’s full of flavor and ready fast.
Give this easy, flavorful lemon chicken recipe a try tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right at home!