Zesty Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe: A Tasty Family Favorite

Sizzling and golden, this lemon parmesan chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your dinner table.

Zesty lemon notes dance alongside rich parmesan cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.

The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a dish that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing chicken sensation.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your culinary rotation immediately.

Serving Creamy Lemon Chicken Made

• Zesty Plate Partners: Serve this succulent chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, tangy sauce.
• Bright Side Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the creamy sauce and add fresh vegetable crunch.
• Wine Wonderland: Complement the lemony, creamy flavors with a chilled glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that enhances the dish's bright and delicate notes.
• Garnish Glow: Top with extra fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan, or a few extra capers to add color, texture, and an extra burst of flavor just before serving.

Storing Lemon Parmesan Chicken Without Losing Sauce

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy coating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture, avoiding microwave which can dry out the delicate meat and crispy breading.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken between parchment layers for up to one month, placing sauce in a separate freezer-safe container to prevent sogginess when thawing.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken mixture and sauce components in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to three days, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights for a fast, delicious dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Cracked Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Flour: Creates a light, crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Provides a nutty, salty crust and extra flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden brown color and adds luxurious flavor.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, warm depth to the sauce and chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory chicken flavor.
• Half and Half or Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce texture.

• Capers: Introduces a briny, tangy pop of flavor to cut through richness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce without making it heavy.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, bright acidity that balances the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a clean, herbal freshness and vibrant color to the dish.

Kitchen Tools to Make Lemon Parmesan Chicken

• Large mixing bowl: For combining flour and Parmesan cheese.
• Shallow dish: To coat chicken in seasoned mixture.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing and creating creamy sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
• Sharp knife: For slicing lemons and chopping parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring sauce and scraping pan.

Cooking Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken the Right Way

• Flavor Preparation

Blend Parmesan and flour in a mixing bowl. Season chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then coat gently in the cheesy mixture, tapping off any extra.

• Golden Searing

Heat a skillet with butter and oil, creating a sizzling surface. Cook chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches perfect doneness, roughly 3-4 minutes on each side.

• Aromatic Garlic Moment

Remove the perfectly cooked chicken and drop fragrant garlic into the same pan, allowing its rich essence to bloom and fill the kitchen with tempting scents.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Pour broth, cream, and additional Parmesan into the pan. Toss in briny capers and let everything simmer and meld together until the sauce transforms into a luscious, velvety texture.

• Final Flourish

Nestle the chicken back into the silky sauce, letting it warm through for a minute. Serve with bright lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and zest.

Tips to Elevate Lemon Chicken with Cheese

• Gently press the Parmesan-flour mixture onto the chicken to create an extra crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Mince the garlic finely or use a microplane grater to release more aromatic oils, enhancing the overall depth of the sauce's taste.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender result.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent separation.
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony, creamy sauce perfectly, elevating the entire dining experience.

Crispy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Savory lemon parmesan chicken offers a delightful blend of zesty and cheesy flavors that elevate weeknight dinners. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this Mediterranean-inspired dish a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut in half to make 4 pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp butter (or oil)
• 2 tbsps minced garlic
• 2 tbsps capers plus an extra 2 for garnish
• ⅓ cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps flour (all-purpose or plain)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of water
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley
• Cracked pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chicken broth (stock)
• ½ cup half and half or heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• Juice from 1 lemon, about 2 to 3 tbsps of lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish, creating a uniform coating mixture for crispy chicken exterior.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken breasts and season comprehensively with salt and pepper to maximize flavor profile.
3. Coating Process: Meticulously dredge each chicken breast in the flour-Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage while removing excess coating.
4. Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating butter and olive oil to establish an ideal golden-brown cooking surface.
5. Chicken Cooking: Position coated chicken breasts into the sizzling skillet, achieving a perfect golden crust by cooking 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat, introduce minced garlic, and sauté briefly until aromatic and lightly caramelized.
7. Liquid Integration: Introduce chicken broth, aggressively scraping pan’s bottom to capture intensely developed flavor molecules.
8. Sauce Completion: Incorporate heavy cream, additional Parmesan, and capers, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
9. Final Assembly: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, luxuriously coating with creamy sauce and warming thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
10. Presentation: Adorn with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley, elevating the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness and prevents soggy coating.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
• Coating Technique: Press flour-Parmesan mixture firmly onto chicken to create an even, adherent layer that guarantees maximum crispiness and flavor coverage.
• Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly, stirring constantly, to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that perfectly coats the chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg