If you’re craving something simple but full of flavor, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a great recipe to have on hand. The chicken breast is lightly pounded, coated in grated Parmesan and a bit of flour, then pan-fried until golden and crispy.
What really sets this dish apart, though, is the lemon butter sauce—it’s garlicky, bright, and ties everything together beautifully. It’s one of those easy chicken dinners that looks impressive but comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknights and casual entertaining. If you’re a fan of crispy chicken breast recipes with bold flavor and minimal fuss, you’ll definitely want to save this one.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs chicken breasts (about 2 large), patted dry
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1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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½ lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for serving)
For the Egg Coating:
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2 large eggs
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1 garlic clove, minced
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust:
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1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
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6-8 Tbsp unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
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¼ cup chicken broth
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¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Gently pound them with a meat mallet until they’re an even thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Set Up the Coatings
In one bowl, whisk the eggs with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, mix the Parmesan and flour.
3. Dredge and Coat
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then press it into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides well. Shake off any extra.
4. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F). If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat slightly.
5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, season with pepper, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Bring It Together
Once the chicken is done, spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over each piece. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and brightness.
If this recipe made it to your “I’m definitely making this again” list, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest board—it’s always nice to have a little crispy, cheesy inspiration close by!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Video Recipe
Tips & Tricks for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t stick or crisp up the same way. Freshly grated gives you that golden, lacy crust.
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Pound the chicken evenly – This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. If one end is thicker, it’ll dry out before the other side is done.
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Don’t skip the resting time – Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices.
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Watch the heat – Medium heat works best. If the crust is browning too quickly, lower the heat so the chicken cooks through without burning.
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Add lemon slices to the sauce – Not just for looks! A couple of lemon slices simmering in the sauce gives it a fresh, slightly sweet depth.
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Simmer the chicken in the sauce or pour it over after – Both ways work great. Simmering blends the flavors more deeply, while pouring keeps the crust extra crispy. Choose what you’re in the mood for.
