Parmesan Lemon Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that combines the bright freshness of lemon with the rich, savory taste of Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The chicken comes out tender, juicy, and coated in a crispy, cheesy crust with a burst of lemony goodness.

Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
   • In another shallow bowl, add a little water or beaten egg to dip the chicken into before coating (if you want an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken in beaten egg before dredging in the cheese mixture).
2. Prep the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better.
   • Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each chicken breast into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly on both sides. Make sure to press the mixture onto the chicken so it sticks well.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
   • Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Add Lemon and Finish:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
   • In the same skillet, add the fresh lemon juice and zest, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir the lemon juice into the pan drippings and butter to create a quick, tangy sauce. (If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out.)
6. Serve:
   • Drizzle the lemon sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer chicken thighs, you can use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts. They’re juicier and tend to cook a little faster.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy Parmesan lemon chicken, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pan sauce after removing the chicken. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, and then pour it over the chicken.
• Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a crispier, lighter crust, while regular breadcrumbs will give it a denser, more substantial texture.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can use the same breadcrumb-Parmesan coating on thick slices of eggplant or zucchini, then bake them in the oven for a crispy, veggie alternative.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Vegetables: Serve this chicken with roasted or sautéed vegetables, like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, for a complete and healthy meal.
• On Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta (like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine) for a comforting, hearty dish. Add some extra Parmesan and fresh basil for flavor.
• With Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
• With Rice or Potatoes: This dish also pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice (like a lemony rice pilaf).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a crispy, golden crust that locks in the juiciness of the chicken.
• Fresh and Bright: The lemon adds a fresh, zesty kick that elevates the dish and balances the richness of the Parmesan.

Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines bold flavors and easy preparation. It’s sure to become a family favorite, and you can customize it with your favorite sides to suit your taste!