Best Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Lemon parmesan chicken elevates ordinary poultry into a culinary sensation that dances between bright citrus notes and rich, savory undertones.

Crisp edges and tender meat characterize this crowd-pleasing dish that elevates weeknight dinners.

Mediterranean influences shine through its elegant flavor profile, combining zesty citrus with nutty cheese undertones.

Remarkable for its simplicity, this recipe balances sophisticated taste with approachable preparation techniques.

Each ingredient contributes a distinctive layer of complexity, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Skillful seasoning and strategic cooking methods ensure maximum moisture retention and impeccable taste.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the versatility and immediate appeal of this classic combination.

Why Lemon Parmesan Chicken Always Shines

• Savor Swift and Satisfying Cooking: This recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality chicken without complex techniques.
• Elevate Flavor with Simple Layering: The combination of Parmesan-coated chicken and zesty lemon butter sauce creates a multi-dimensional taste experience that balances crispy texture with bright, tangy notes.
• Master Professional-Level Technique at Home: By using a straightforward breading method and precise cooking instructions, home chefs can achieve a golden, crispy exterior and perfectly juicy chicken interior without advanced culinary skills.
• Versatile Meal for Multiple Occasions: Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner, weekend family meal, or casual dinner party, this chicken dish adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while impressing guests with its elegant presentation.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Eggs: Provides moisture and helps coating adhere to chicken, choose large and fresh eggs.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creates crispy exterior, freshly grated recommended.
• Flour: Helps create a crispy coating and provides structure to breading.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal and aromatic notes to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Minced Garlic: Adds depth and pungent flavor to both coating and sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken, provides healthy fat and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the lemon butter sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor and helps balance richness.
• Lemon Slices: Optional garnish for visual appeal and extra citrus burst.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb flavor.

Steps for a Juicy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice chicken fillets in half lengthwise. Gently pound with a meat mallet to create an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixtures

Prepare 2 separate bowls:

First bowl: Whisk together

• Eggs
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Second bowl: Combine

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Flour

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Next, roll chicken in Parmesan mixture. Gently shake off excess coating to achieve a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 4: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place breaded chicken in the pan. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Craft Lemon Butter Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Pepper

Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Drizzle lemon butter sauce over cooked chicken. Gently turn chicken to ensure complete sauce coverage. Optional: Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Tips for Flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Pound Perfectly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform chicken thickness, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture.
• Coating Technique: Pat chicken dry before dipping to help the egg and Parmesan mixture adhere better, creating a crispier golden crust.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165˚F, preventing undercooking while keeping the meat juicy.
• Oil Heat Control: Keep skillet at medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the Parmesan coating.
• Sauce Timing: Make the lemon butter sauce while chicken cooks to serve everything hot and maximize flavor melding.

Keep Lemon Parmesan Chicken Fresh Longer

• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
• Refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of cooking in an airtight container. Properly stored leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each chicken piece separately to maintain its crispy coating and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat in the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F and place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce before reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and rubbery.

Best Pairings for Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the bright lemon flavors and cut through the richness of the parmesan and butter sauce.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs create a fresh, colorful side that balances the chicken's savory profile.
• Recommend Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest provides a nutritious and flavorful base that echoes the dish's lemony notes.
• Match with Chilled Citrus Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery chicken.

Ways to Add a Twist to Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Mediterranean Style: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano and add chopped kalamata olives to the Parmesan mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the final dish for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Version: Mix cayenne pepper and paprika into the Parmesan coating. Create a hot sauce-infused butter sauce by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the lemon butter mixture for extra heat.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary into both egg and Parmesan mixtures. Use herb-infused butter in the sauce and garnish with additional fresh herb sprigs for bright, aromatic notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the Parmesan coating. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon Parmesan Chicken delivers Mediterranean comfort with zesty citrus and rich garlic butter notes. Crisp chicken breasts glazed in tangy Parmesan create a sophisticated meal that brings Italian coastal flavors directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken fillets (2 large), patted dry
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Transform whole chicken breasts into thinner, even fillets by slicing lengthwise and gently pounding with a meat tenderizer to promote uniform cooking.
2. Prepare two separate mixing bowls: one containing whisked eggs, finely chopped garlic, Italian herb blend, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper; the other holding grated Parmesan cheese blended with all-purpose flour.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by first dipping into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then carefully roll in the Parmesan-flour blend, gently shaking off excess for a crisp, even crust.
4. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F/190°C), carefully placing breaded chicken pieces and cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Create a luxurious sauce by melting unsalted butter in a separate saucepan, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic, then incorporating low-sodium chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cracked black pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for roughly 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then generously drizzle over cooked chicken, turning pieces to ensure complete coating.
7. Enhance presentation by garnishing with thin lemon slices and finely chopped fresh parsley, serving immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by cutting fillets lengthwise and beating evenly for consistent cooking and juicy results.
• Create two-step coating process using egg mixture with Italian seasonings, then Parmesan-flour blend for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Ensure golden-brown perfection by shaking off excess coating and cooking chicken 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
• Use medium heat when sautéing to prevent burning garlic and maintain delicate butter sauce consistency.
• Layer flavors by simmering lemon butter sauce briefly, allowing ingredients to meld and create a rich, tangy complement to crispy chicken.
• Finish dish by coating chicken in sauce and garnishing with fresh lemon slices and parsley for bright, fresh presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 245 mg