Zingy Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Chicken takes an elegant turn with this parmesan crusted chicken recipe that delivers a golden, crispy exterior and tender interior.

The delicate crunch of perfectly seasoned parmesan coating promises a delightful dining experience.

Each bite brings a harmonious blend of rich cheese and succulent meat.

A bright lemon butter sauce adds a zesty complement that cuts through the richness of the crispy chicken.

The dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Quick to prepare and immensely satisfying, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something special.

Savor every mouthwatering moment and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender, thin cuts perfect for quick cooking and absorbing delicious flavors, choose fresh, evenly sized cutlets for consistent results.

• Flour: Creates a dry surface that helps egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly, use all-purpose flour for smooth, even coating.
• Eggs, Water: Acts as glue binding breadcrumbs to chicken, select fresh eggs at room temperature for better adhesion.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides super crispy texture, light and airy Japanese-style crumbs create incredible crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps create golden-brown crust, select freshly grated for best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor intensity.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces deep, aromatic undertone, choose high-quality powder without clumping.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity to coating, look for blend with vibrant green herbs.

• Butter: Creates silky, rich foundation for sauce, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Lemon: Introduces bright, zesty freshness, select firm lemons with smooth, shiny skin for maximum juice.

Cooking Tools for Crispy Lemon Chicken Success

• Large skillet: Perfect for creating a crispy, golden-brown chicken crust.
• Shallow bowls (3): Essential for organizing the dredging stations with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Whisk: Helps blend egg and water smoothly for even coating.
• Tongs: Ideal for handling chicken during dredging and cooking process.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming or pounding chicken to even thickness.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chicken preparation.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil after cooking.

Easy Instructions for Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Prepare Dredging Stations

Create three separate shallow bowls with flour, whisked egg with water, and a zesty mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. This setup will transform your ordinary chicken into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece.

• Coat Chicken Pieces

Gently dunk each chicken cutlet into flour, letting excess fall away. Next, bathe it in the egg wash, ensuring a complete coating. Finally, roll the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to lock in all those delicious flavors. The goal is a perfect, even crust that will make your taste buds dance.

• Heat Cooking Pan

Warm a skillet with a splash of oil over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough to create a golden, crispy exterior without burning the delicate breading.

• Fry Chicken to Perfection

Carefully place the coated chicken into the sizzling pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside becomes perfectly tender and juicy.

• Create Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Swirl the ingredients together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the chicken. This quick sauce adds a bright, tangy finish to your crispy chicken.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the golden chicken to plates and drizzle with the zesty lemon butter sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and prepare for a mouthwatering meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Chicken Crusting & Butter Sauce Hacks

• Crispy Coating Hack: Press breadcrumb mixture extra firmly onto chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy crust that won't fall off during cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breaded chicken up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, uncovered, to help breading set and become extra crispy when cooked.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground almonds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Sauce Adjustment: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat lemon butter sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Chicken

• Elegant Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange golden-brown chicken cutlets on a white ceramic plate, drizzling lemon butter sauce artfully across the top with a graceful zigzag motion.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Serve alongside roasted asparagus spears or creamy garlic mashed potatoes to balance the crispy chicken's rich texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the chicken to add a pop of bright green color and provide a subtle herbal freshness that complements the Parmesan crust.
• Wine Recommendation: Pair this dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay to cut through the richness of the Parmesan crust and highlight the zesty lemon butter sauce.

Tips for Saving or Reheating Chicken with Sauce

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within two hours of preparation, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate leftovers into individual portions for easy reheating and convenient grab-and-go meals.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Sauce Separation Solution: Keep lemon butter sauce in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator. Store for 2-3 days maximum. Gently reheat in a small saucepan, whisking to restore smooth consistency before serving.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the crispy Parmesan crust's delightful crunch.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon butter sauce delivers a delightful culinary experience that combines crispy chicken with tangy, rich flavors. Homemade comfort meets gourmet elegance when you savor this simple yet sophisticated dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Arrange three shallow containers with flour, whisked egg and water, and a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings for comprehensive chicken coverage.
2. Chicken Dredging: Delicately coat each chicken cutlet in flour, ensuring a light, even layer by gently tapping off excess, then dip into egg mixture, allowing minimal dripping before transferring to seasoned breadcrumb blend.
3. Crust Formation: Press chicken firmly into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, creating a uniform, adherent coating that completely encases the meat for maximum crunch and flavor.
4. Skillet Searing: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing crusted chicken to develop a rich, amber exterior with crisp golden-brown coloration.
5. Cooking Technique: Flip chicken midway through cooking, ensuring both sides achieve consistent browning and internal temperature reaches 165°F for proper doneness.
6. Resting Phase: Transfer cooked chicken to wire rack, allowing brief cooling to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy coating.
7. Sauce Creation: Utilize same skillet to craft lemon butter sauce by combining butter, fresh lemon juice, and herbs, creating a vibrant, silky complement to the crispy chicken.
8. Serving Finale: Elegantly drizzle warm lemon butter sauce over Parmesan-crusted chicken, enhancing overall flavor profile and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent Flour Clumping: Sift flour before coating to ensure a smooth, even layer without lumps or thick patches.
• Achieve Crispy Coating: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a solid, adherent crust that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 350-375°F to guarantee golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked chicken every time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg