Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce – A crispy, golden, and juicy chicken breast recipe featuring a flavorful Parmesan crust and tangy lemon butter sauce. This easy-to-make chicken dinner is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Coated in a rich Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture and served with a buttery lemon sauce, this dish offers a delicious combination of savory, citrusy flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ideal weeknight meal. Perfect for pairing with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Try this mouthwatering lemon chicken recipe for a family-favorite dinner that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 2 large), patted dry
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the Parmesan Breading:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for even cooking. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
2. Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Parmesan Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with the all-purpose flour.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. Shake off any excess coating.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Reduce heat if the chicken browns too quickly.
6. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.
7. Serve: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

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Tips

• Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly thick to cook them uniformly. You can also use a meat tenderizer to gently pound them to an even thickness.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure the crust stays crispy.
• For an extra crispy crust, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute after cooking to absorb any excess oil.

Variations and Substitutions

• Parmesan Substitution: If you prefer a different flavor, swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier taste.
• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the butter sauce for extra citrus flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts for a juicier result.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While this recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through.

How can I make this recipe spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or sprinkle on top of the cooked chicken for some heat.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bread and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp it up again before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Lemon Parmesan Chicken alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
• Pair it with a fresh salad or over a bed of pasta for a hearty dinner.
• You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and topped with a vibrant, flavorful lemon butter sauce. It’s the perfect combination of tangy, savory, and rich, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.