Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce)

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender, crispy chicken with a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is quick to prepare yet packs a punch with its deliciously zesty and savory flavors. The crispy Parmesan crust on the chicken, paired with the bright lemon butter sauce, creates a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.

This recipe features boneless chicken breasts that are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, giving the dish a satisfying crunch. The lemon butter sauce, made with garlic, butter, lemon juice, and chicken broth, adds a luxurious richness that balances the crispiness of the chicken perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its combination of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Crispy Chicken

The Parmesan crust gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s the ideal balance of crunch and tenderness.

2. Tangy and Savory Lemon Butter Sauce

The lemon butter sauce is rich and tangy, complementing the crispy chicken with its bright, fresh flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this dish.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

4. Impressive Presentation

The golden, crispy chicken, paired with the glossy lemon butter sauce, makes for an elegant and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for guests.

5. Versatile Side Pairings

This lemon chicken can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad, making it easy to customize the meal to your liking.

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Ingredients

For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry with paper towels
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 Tbsp parsley (to garnish, optional)
• 1/2 lemon (sliced for garnish, optional)

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 Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: You can enhance the flavor of the sauce by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more earthy note.
• Use Different Breading: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for an extra kick of spice.
• Lemon Cream Sauce: For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce for a rich, velvety texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will ensure the breading sticks properly. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Breading Mixture

In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and all-purpose flour. Mix well.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crust adheres to the chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes, ensuring it’s well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the lemon chicken immediately with your favorite sides, spooning extra lemon butter sauce over the chicken for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the crust gets crispy.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more butter or reduce the sauce for a few extra minutes.
• Make it Zesty: For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add a little lemon zest to the sauce.
• Monitor the Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

How to Serve

Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread to soak up any extra lemon butter sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lemon chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is heated thoroughly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour in the breading mixture with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

4. How do I make the chicken more crispy?

To achieve an extra crispy coating, ensure that the chicken is patted dry before breading and don’t skip the egg mixture, which helps the Parmesan crust adhere better.

5. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

6. How can I adjust the lemon butter sauce for more creaminess?

To make the sauce creamier, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a tablespoon of sour cream to the sauce after you’ve added the lemon juice and broth.

7. Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.

9. Can I add vegetables to the lemon butter sauce?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce will give the dish more flavor and texture.

10. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping. Store it in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delectable, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of crispy Parmesan chicken and the tangy, creamy lemon butter sauce makes for an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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