Description

Parmesan-Crusted Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven with a tangy lemon butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines the richness of Parmesan with bright citrus notes, making it a delightful main course perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
Prepare Coating Mixture: In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs thoroughly to create the crust mixture.
Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Once seared, place the chicken breasts into a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice and stir well to combine into a smooth sauce.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish to infuse them with citrus flavor.
Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and colorful finish.

Notes

You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese, though flavor and texture will vary.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices and improve tenderness.