Let’s be real for a sec—sometimes dinner feels more like a chore than a moment of joy. That’s why this Lemon Chicken Recipe is such a lifesaver. It’s the perfect pick-me-up: bright, buttery, and packed with flavor…and it’s easy enough to pull off after a long Tuesday at work (yes, even that Tuesday).
Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this lemon chicken with a rich parmesan crust and zesty butter sauce hits the sweet spot. You’ll feel like a kitchen goddess without breaking a sweat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Recipe
Here’s why this one’s a keeper:
- Crispy outside, juicy inside: Thanks to the magic of a parmesan crust, your chicken gets that golden, satisfying crunch.
- Bright & buttery lemon sauce: It’s the kind of sauce you want to drizzle on everything. Trust me, you’ll be licking your plate.
- Easy prep, big payoff: Minimal fuss, max flavor. This is a weeknight win or a dinner-party showstopper—your choice.
And hey, if you’re trying to make a solid impression on the in-laws or simply win dinner tonight—this is your move.
Ingredients
You don’t need a mile-long grocery list. Here’s all you need for this delightful lemon chicken:
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 2 large), patted dry
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Optional garnish: 1 Tbsp chopped parsley & 1/2 lemon, sliced
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Parmesan Breading Mixture:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
How to Make This Lemon Chicken Recipe
This recipe is straightforward and totally doable—even if your toddler is clinging to your leg the entire time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then gently pound them until they’re even in thickness. Think of it as chicken therapy—it’s oddly satisfying.
Step 2: Egg Dip & Parmesan Coat
Whisk up your egg mixture in one bowl and your parmesan-flour mix in another. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, let the extra drip off, then dredge in the cheesy goodness. Lightly shake off the excess.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection
In a large skillet, heat olive oil to cover the bottom. Once it’s hot (but not smoking), cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden, crispy edges and an internal temp of 165˚F. If it’s browning too fast, just dial the heat down a bit—no need to panic.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant (your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian trattoria). Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
Pour that silky lemon butter sauce over the chicken, turning each piece to coat. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Aneta’s Tip from the Heart
This dish became a family favorite after I whipped it up for a Sunday dinner years ago. I was short on time and ingredients, but wow—everyone raved. Even my teenage son, who normally thinks chicken is “just chicken,” asked for seconds. Now it’s a regular on our dinner table (and yes, I still use the same skillet—it’s practically part of the family).
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t stick as well.
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken—it makes all the difference for even cooking.
- Low on time? You can prep the sauce a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready.
- Leftovers? Pop them into a salad, sandwich, or pasta dish. This lemon chicken plays well with others.

FAQs About Lemon Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless. Adjust the cooking time as needed—they may take a minute or two longer.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.
Can I freeze this?
Sure! Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, and warm the sauce on the stove.
Conclusion
Dinner shouldn’t feel like a battle—and this Lemon Chicken Recipe is your secret weapon. It’s bright, buttery, and surprisingly simple, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to impromptu dinner parties.
So grab that lemon, fire up your skillet, and let the chicken magic begin. ✨
Want more comforting yet craveable chicken recipes? Stick around—I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
Happy cooking!
More Chicken Magic You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this bright and buttery Lemon Chicken Recipe, don’t stop here! There’s a whole world of flavor waiting for you in the Chicken Magic kitchen. These handpicked favorites complement this dish beautifully—whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, Mediterranean, or downright comforting:
- Craving even more lemony goodness? Try this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine for a cozy pasta night that screams comfort food.
- Looking for a lighter, Mediterranean twist? You’ll love the Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad—it’s fresh, herby, and perfect for lunch prep or warm-weather dinners.
- If you liked the crispy texture of the chicken here, don’t miss out on this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu—a crunchy, cheesy classic that feels fancy but is weeknight-friendly.
- Feeling a little adventurous? Spice things up with the bold flavors of these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders—perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Every recipe is crafted with love (and a touch of garlic), just like this one. Dive in and let your next chicken adventure begin!
Print
Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Chicken Recipe delivers golden-crusted chicken breasts drenched in a bright and buttery lemon sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry
1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional: 1 Tbsp chopped parsley & 1/2 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
For the Egg Mixture:
2 large eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Parmesan Breading Mixture:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
8 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound to even thickness.
In a shallow bowl, whisk all egg mixture ingredients.
In another bowl, mix grated Parmesan and flour.
Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat in parmesan-flour mixture. Shake off excess.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice, broth, and pepper; simmer for 2 minutes.
Pour lemon butter sauce over cooked chicken and coat evenly.
Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan sticks better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded.
Feel free to use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg