Lemon Chicken Recipe – Amazing Flavor & Easy Weeknight Winner

When life feels too busy for fancy cooking, this lemon chicken recipe brings comfort and brightness in under 30 minutes. The scent of sizzling garlic and fresh lemon fills the kitchen, and before you know it, dinner is ready golden, juicy, and full of flavor.

Lemon Chicken Recipe Overview

Why This Lemon Chicken Stands Out

This lemon chicken recipe is simple yet full of restaurant-style flavor. It combines juicy chicken breasts, a crispy parmesan coating, and a buttery lemon garlic sauce that coats every bite. You only need one skillet and a few pantry staples. It’s fast, forgiving, and always impressive at the table.

Quick Snapshot: Prep Time, Cook Time, Skill Level, Serving Size

• Prep time: 18 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Servings: 4

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Seasoning Breakdown

• 1½ lb chicken breasts (2 large), patted dry
• 2 large eggs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Lemon Butter Sauce Components

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• ½ lemon, sliced (optional garnish)

How to Make Lemon Chicken Step-by-Step

Preparing and Tenderizing the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Use a meat mallet to flatten them evenly. This helps them cook quickly and stay tender.

Coating the Chicken for the Best Crust

In one bowl, whisk eggs with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another, mix Parmesan cheese and flour. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat with the Parmesan mixture. Shake off any extra coating before cooking.

Pan-Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. If the crust browns too fast, reduce the heat slightly.

Making the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors come together.

Bringing It All Together and Garnishing

Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken. Turn the pieces to coat evenly. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture

Adjusting the Tanginess and Seasoning

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the lemon juice slightly. For more depth, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.

Preventing Over-Browning and Ensuring Juicy Chicken

Keep your heat moderate and avoid overcrowding the pan. This lets the crust stay crisp while the chicken cooks through without drying.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Guide

Preparing the Chicken in Advance

You can marinate the chicken in the egg mixture earlier in the day. Keep it in the fridge, then coat and cook when ready.

Why This Recipe Isn’t Ideal for Freezing

Freezing changes the texture of the coating, making it less crisp after reheating. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.

Variations and Substitutions

Lighter, No-Breading Version

Skip the egg and Parmesan coating. Simply season the chicken and cook it in the sauce for a lighter, low-carb version.

Using Chicken Thighs or Tenderloins

This recipe also works beautifully with thighs or tenderloins. Just adjust the cooking time to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Adding Veggies to Cook With the Chicken

Add asparagus, green beans, or zucchini to the skillet for a colorful one-pan meal. They soak up the sauce and make it even better.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or Caesar salad. The bright lemon sauce also tastes great with rice or crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Helpful Notes for Serving a Crowd

To serve more people, prepare the chicken in advance and arrange it in a large roasting pan. Keep it warm in the oven before pouring the sauce over right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn
• creamy chicken pesto pasta
• slow cooker crack chicken
• crockpot cheesy chicken spaghetti
• oven baked chicken thighs
• garlic parmesan chicken
• creamy ranch chicken

Conclusion

This lemon chicken recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With fresh lemon, real butter, and a little Parmesan, you can create a dish that’s crisp, juicy, and ready in half an hour. For more easy weeknight recipes, follow along on Pinterest or Facebook.

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