Prepare to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Crispy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate flavor explosion – imagine golden, perfectly crisp chicken with a zesty Parmesan crust that crackles with every bite, infused with bright, tangy lemon notes that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick and impressive meal or a flavor enthusiast seeking culinary excitement, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. If the chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add half of the lemon juice. Whisk to combine, creating a tangy egg wash.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, ensuring it's completely coated. Then immediately transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely to both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest on a wire rack for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness and allow juices to redistribute.
- Before serving, drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with additional fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use a meat mallet to create an even chicken thickness for consistent cooking
- Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden crust
- Don't overcrowd the pan – cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and maintain the crispy coating
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture
- If you prefer baking, you can also cook this chicken in a preheated 425°F oven for 18-22 minutes
- Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crispiness of the chicken coating
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 218mg
