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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish, creating a uniform coating mixture for crispy chicken exterior.
- Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken breasts and season comprehensively with salt and pepper to maximize flavor profile.
- Coating Process: Meticulously dredge each chicken breast in the flour-Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage while removing excess coating.
- Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating butter and olive oil to establish an ideal golden-brown cooking surface.
- 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.
- Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat, introduce minced garlic, and sauté briefly until aromatic and lightly caramelized.
- Liquid Integration: Introduce chicken broth, aggressively scraping pan’s bottom to capture intensely developed flavor molecules.
- Sauce Completion: Incorporate heavy cream, additional Parmesan, and capers, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, luxuriously coating with creamy sauce and warming thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
- 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