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Parmesan-Crusted Lemon Chicken

A quick and delicious dinner featuring crispy, cheesy chicken breasts with bright lemon flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) Pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated tastes best
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs Or regular breadcrumbs for a softer crust
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or 2 cloves minced for extra aroma
  • 1 piece lemon (zest) For lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Brightens the dish
  • 2 large eggs Beaten for coating
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For browning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning
  • Salt and black pepper To taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up the dredging station: Place the seasoned flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and the Parmesan-panko mixture in a third.
  4. Dip each chicken breast first in flour, then in egg, letting excess drip off, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan mixture.
  5. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil.
Cooking
  1. When the butter foams, add the chicken to the skillet.
  2. Cook the coated breasts for 4–6 minutes per side without moving them too much.
  3. Drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
  4. Remove to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Serving
  1. Slice at an angle, spoon any pan juices over the top, and add an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

Notes

To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. For a lighter crust, use half Parmesan and half finely ground almonds.