Parmesan Lemon Chicken features golden brown, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan crust, served in a creamy, garlicky lemon sauce. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. The bright lemon and savory parmesan flavor combinations are sure to be a hit, making this a family-friendly favorite that’s both simple and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken

  • 6 chicken cutlets

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, divided

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• For the Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • ¼ cup dry white wine

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• For the Parmesan Mixture

  • 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the parmesan and flour mixture until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large cast iron skillet, heat butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chicken to the skillet in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the remaining flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

   • Gradually whisk in chicken stock, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Finish the Sauce:

   • Stir in the remaining parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken with the creamy lemon sauce, garnished with additional parsley and served immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 318 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 31g

• Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 540mg

• Potassium: 300mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 8% of Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 6% of Daily Value

• Calcium: 10% of Daily Value

• Iron: 6% of Daily Value

This dish is rich in protein, with a nice balance of fat from the butter and cream, making it a satisfying yet quick meal. It’s perfect for pairing with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a more complete dinner.

The Key Ingredients: Chicken, Parmesan, and Lemon

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chicken, and using boneless, skinless chicken cutlets ensures that the meat cooks quickly and remains tender. These cutlets are seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then dredged in a mixture of parmesan and flour. This combination creates a crispy, golden crust on the chicken that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used in both the chicken coating and the sauce, imparting a nutty, savory richness that complements the chicken perfectly. The parmesan not only helps form the crispy crust but also enhances the creamy sauce, adding depth and flavor.

Lemon is the perfect complement to the richness of the parmesan. The bright acidity of freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the creamy sauce, lifting the dish with a fresh, citrusy finish. The lemony flavor in the sauce provides the right amount of tang, making the dish feel both indulgent and light.

The Perfect Crispy Chicken

To achieve that golden, crispy crust, each chicken cutlet is dredged in a mixture of flour and parmesan. The flour helps create a crisp outer layer, while the parmesan adds flavor and texture. This crispy crust is essential to the dish, as it provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Cooking the chicken in a combination of butter and vegetable oil ensures that it becomes golden brown on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The butter adds richness, while the vegetable oil ensures the chicken crisps up nicely. The chicken is cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, allowing each piece to cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.

The Creamy Lemon Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

The sauce for this dish is what brings it all together. After the chicken is cooked, garlic is sautéed in the same skillet, allowing it to absorb the flavors left behind from the chicken. Whisking in a little flour helps thicken the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Chicken stock, dry white wine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice are added to the skillet, providing a savory, tangy base. The chicken stock and white wine work together to create a balanced flavor profile, with the wine adding depth and a slight acidity that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

The final steps involve stirring in the remaining parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. The cream adds richness and a silky texture, while the parmesan enhances the savory flavor of the sauce. Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and freshness, tying the whole dish together.

Finishing the Dish: Bringing Everything Together

Once the sauce is ready, the crispy chicken is returned to the skillet, where it’s spooned with the creamy sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up some of the flavorful sauce while keeping its crispy coating intact. The dish is then served immediately, garnished with more parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a complete meal on its own, with a balance of protein from the chicken, richness from the butter and cream, and the zesty brightness of lemon. For an even more satisfying meal, pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad to complement the richness of the chicken.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Breakdown

Parmesan Lemon Chicken offers a satisfying combination of macronutrients, making it a well-rounded meal. Each serving contains about 450 calories, with 31 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The dish is also rich in fat, with 18 grams of fat per serving, coming from the butter, cream, and parmesan. These fats help provide the creamy, rich texture that makes the sauce so indulgent.

Despite being rich and creamy, this dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with just 8 grams per serving. This makes it a good option for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon also adds some vitamins and minerals to the dish, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which are important for overall health.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish, offering a bit of crunch and bitterness to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious lemon sauce, making them a great complement to this dish.

• Simple Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.

For drinks, consider pairing the dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the lemony flavor and creamy sauce.

Why Parmesan Lemon Chicken is Perfect for Any Night

Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a dish that feels special but is easy enough to make on any night of the week. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and bright lemon flavor makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Its simplicity and quick preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, while its indulgent nature makes it a great option for when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something a little more special.

The balance of flavors, from the richness of the parmesan and cream to the tang of the lemon and freshness of the parsley, makes this dish a winner every time. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this Parmesan Lemon Chicken recipe is sure to become a go-to dinner that will impress and satisfy.

Conclusion: A Quick, Comforting, and Flavorful Dinner

Parmesan Lemon Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, bringing together crispy chicken, a creamy lemon sauce, and the savory depth of parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring a lot of time or effort. The combination of bright lemon, savory parmesan, and tender chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will not disappoint.