Parmesan Crusted Lemon Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

This Parmesan Crusted Lemon Chicken is a perfect combination of zesty lemon flavor and a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs (beaten)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Lemon slices and chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to adhere the coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 800mg
Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value

Benefits:

High Protein: Great for muscle building and repair.
Rich in Calcium: Thanks to Parmesan cheese, supporting bone health.
Low Carb Option: Suitable for low-carb diets when paired with greens.
Lemon Boost: Vitamin C enhances immunity and digestion.

Tips:

For extra crispiness, bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes after frying.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.
You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Q&A:

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
- Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What sides go well with this dish?
- Roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or lemon garlic pasta complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a little longer.

Enjoy this zesty and crispy Parmesan Crusted Lemon Chicken, perfect for any occasion!