Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! The golden Parmesan crust adds a delicious crunch, while the buttery lemon sauce brings a bright, tangy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp butter (for frying, adds richness)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for extra brightness)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Set up dredging stations:
- In one shallow bowl, add flour.
- In another, whisk egg and 1 tbsp water.
- In a third, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
-
Coat the chicken:
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat in Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon lemon butter sauce over the crispy chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve over angel hair or fettuccine with extra sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken.
- With Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Extra crunchy? Use double the breadcrumbs and press firmly.
- No Panko? Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Gluten-Free? Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.