Parmesan Lemon Chicken is that rare dinner hero: fast, fresh, and so packed with bright, tangy flavor, you’ll wonder why you ever made plain old chicken before. Tender breasts are coated in cheesy crumbs, seared until crisp, and finished in a luscious pan sauce bursting with real lemon — it’s the kind of meal you dream about coming home to. This easy skillet wonder delivers a taste that feels super special yet comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or sprucing up any weeknight at home, Parmesan Lemon Chicken is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Parmesan Lemon Chicken has a job to do — whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, that golden crust, or a juicy, saucy finish. Stick to these simple, pantry-friendly staples and let each one shine!
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts pounded to an even thickness for quick, even cooking and ultra tenderness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is extra flavorful and melts into the crust, creating a nutty, crisp edge on every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the Parmesan coating stick to the chicken and creates that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory backbone that pairs beautifully with lemon and cheese.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together — don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper: A little freshly cracked pepper perks up every bite.
- Olive Oil: Combined with butter for the perfect frying duo — it keeps the chicken juicy and adds rich flavor.
- Butter: Infuses the crust and sauce with a silky finish and helps with browning.
- Lemon (juice and zest): Fresh lemon is the real star here, giving the sauce its signature zing and brightness.
- Chicken Broth: Makes a quick, delicious pan sauce that marries all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens everything up with a fresh, herbal finish.
- Lemon Slices (optional): For garnish and extra lemony pop at the table — they just look so pretty, too!
How to Make Parmesan Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment, then gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re all the same thickness — about half an inch. This little trick ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays beautifully juicy.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow dish (think pie plate or wide bowl), stir together the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend forms the foundation for that irresistible crust you’ll get on your Parmesan Lemon Chicken.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Now, coat each chicken breast thoroughly in the Parmesan-flour mixture—press it on so every bit is covered and ready for a golden transformation. Don’t be afraid to really press; getting a good coating is key to crispiness.
Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (but not smoking), add your chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re deep golden brown and cooked through. Set the beautifully crusted chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Pan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour the lemon juice and zest into the skillet, immediately followed by chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty golden bits stuck to the pan — they’re pure flavor magic. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and concentrate, then tuck the chicken back in.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Coat each chicken breast generously with the zippy sauce and let everything cook together for another 2 minutes. This melds the Parmesan crust and lemony sauce perfectly. For a finishing flourish, sprinkle with fresh parsley and lay a few lemon slices on top before serving your Parmesan Lemon Chicken hot and fragrant.
How to Serve Parmesan Lemon Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing dresses up Parmesan Lemon Chicken quite like a scatter of chopped fresh parsley and delicate slices of lemon. The parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of color, while the lemon slices give every serving a hint of drama and freshness. Serve with cracked black pepper at the table for extra flair.
Side Dishes
You have so many delightful options for sides! Fluffy rice will drink up that luscious lemon sauce, while buttered pasta or garlic mashed potatoes turn the meal into true comfort food. For a lighter touch, pair with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. Parmesan Lemon Chicken also works beautifully atop an arugula salad with shaved Parmesan.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken before arranging it over a bed of herby couscous or creamy polenta for a show-stopping presentation. Or, stack the chicken on toasted ciabatta with a drizzle of sauce for an unforgettable open-faced sandwich. If you’re hosting, arrange individual plates with a nest of greens, fanned chicken slices, and a generous drizzle of sauce for restaurant-worthy style at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Parmesan Lemon Chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, which makes reheated portions just as tasty for lunch and dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Parmesan Lemon Chicken for easy meals down the road. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic and stash in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the lemon sauce, and make a fresh pan sauce when reheating.
Reheating
To keep that crisp edge, reheat thawed chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Cover loosely and heat until warmed through. The oven (at 350°F for 10-12 minutes) works well, too — avoid microwaving, since it can toughen the chicken and make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Do I have to use fresh lemon for the sauce?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to the signature flavor in Parmesan Lemon Chicken. Bottled juice just can’t deliver the same bright, zesty punch, so grab a real lemon for the best results!
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and actually stay even juicier. Just pound to an even thickness and follow the same directions, adjusting cook time as needed.
Is Parmesan Lemon Chicken gluten-free?
If you use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose, this recipe is totally gluten-free. All other ingredients should be naturally safe — always check labels to be sure.
What’s the best way to get the coating really crisp?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging, press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto each piece, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. For extra crunch, try adding a couple tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the mix.
Can I double the sauce for extra drizzling?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended if you love saucy chicken or want to spoon some over pasta or rice. Simply double the lemon, broth, and zest, and simmer as directed.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Parmesan Lemon Chicken that makes any meal feel like a celebration. The vibrant flavors, that golden crust, and the silky lemon sauce come together like magic in less than half an hour. Give it a try — your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Parmesan Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and lemon-infused crust, finished with a savory pan sauce. This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Coat the chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine and serve: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and cook briefly. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, add panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
