If you’ve been longing for a dinner that hits all the right notes—crispy, juicy, tangy, and perfectly cheesy—look no further than Parmesan Lemon Chicken. This dish brings together golden-crusted chicken and a bright, luscious lemon sauce, all in just under 40 minutes. It’s a house favorite that’s bound to become yours too, ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss. The rich umami from Parmesan pairs beautifully with fresh lemon, making every bite a celebration of classic flavors.

Parmesan Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the impressive results fool you—Parmesan Lemon Chicken is built with simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a special part, working together to deliver a meal that’s crispy, flavorful, and full of sunny zest.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and maximum tenderness—pound them evenly for best texture.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for bold, nutty flavor that creates an irresistible crust.
All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and makes the crust crisp!
Garlic powder: Adds depth and savoriness to the breading.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese—don’t skip it.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
Eggs: The sticky base that holds the Parmesan and flour mixture snugly on each piece of chicken.
Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear—extra-virgin adds even more character.
Butter: Boosts richness and helps with browning.
Lemon (juice and zest): Fresh lemons add vibrant zing and aroma that make this dish pop.
Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the sauce, catching all the tasty bits left in the pan.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbal finish that wakes up the whole plate.
Lemon slices: Beautiful for garnish and a little extra citrus flair.

How to Make Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Start by checking the thickness of your chicken breasts. For perfect Parmesan Lemon Chicken, you want each piece to cook evenly, so pound the thicker ends gently until everything is an even layer. This step ensures every bite is just as juicy as the last and helps the chicken cook through without becoming dry.

Step 2: Mix the Coating and Dredge

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the grated Parmesan, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them in your Parmesan mixture. Press firmly—this is where the crunchy coating magic happens!

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, nestle the coated chicken breasts into the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, undisturbed, until they’re deeply golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm while you make the sauce. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth directly into the same skillet. Scrape up all the lovely brown bits—these are flavor gold! Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it melds and thickens just a touch.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemony sauce over the top. Simmer for another couple of minutes to heat everything through and let the chicken soak up some of that gorgeous sauce. Garnish your Parmesan Lemon Chicken with fresh chopped parsley and some lemon slices, then serve right away while it’s hot and zesty.

How to Serve Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle plenty of fresh, chopped parsley over the top—its bright green color makes the dish look even more inviting. Add a few extra lemon slices or even some finely grated Parmesan for an extra pop of flavor and a restaurant-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is just begging to be served with light, simple sides. Fluffy white rice or tender pasta will catch every drop of the vibrant sauce, while oven-roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad turn this meal into a real feast. Even a hunk of warm, crusty bread is a great idea for scooping up the zesty juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken on a bias and arranging fanned-out pieces over a bed of arugula tossed with olive oil and salt. Or serve the chicken atop a platter of garlicky mashed potatoes, drizzled with extra lemon sauce. For a fun twist, tuck thin slices of Parmesan Lemon Chicken inside toasted ciabatta rolls with a smear of lemon aioli for the ultimate sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Parmesan Lemon Chicken cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to three days—just be sure to keep the chicken and sauce together to lock in that moisture.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well! Once cooled, arrange the chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment if needed. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and its sauce in a covered skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Take care not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken—a gentle simmer is perfect.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While the classic Parmesan Lemon Chicken recipe calls for chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They may need a couple of extra minutes on the stove but will be just as flavorful and tender.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. If your pieces are already an even thickness, you can skip this step, but it really makes a difference in texture and speed of cooking.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan, try finely grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago—these hard Italian cheeses offer a similar sharpness and delicious crust for your Parmesan Lemon Chicken.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend, or use almond flour to keep the crispy coating gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For an extra luxurious touch, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream during the sauce-making step. This transforms the lemon sauce into a silky, tangy blanket for your Parmesan Lemon Chicken.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Parmesan Lemon Chicken enough—it’s one of those rare meals that balances comfort and brightness, crunch and zest, all in a single skillet. If you’re looking to wow your family or just treat yourself to something special tonight, give this recipe a try. I have a feeling it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Parmesan Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a burst of flavor with this Parmesan Lemon Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts coated in Parmesan and cooked to perfection, then topped with a zesty lemon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

2 eggs (beaten)
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

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts: If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Prepare coating: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Beat eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge in the Parmesan-flour mixture.
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Make sauce: Reduce heat, add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer and return chicken to coat in sauce.
Finish and serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
For extra richness, stir 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the sauce before adding the chicken back in.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American