Lemon Chicken with BEST Lemon Butter Sauce
Crispy Parmesan-crusted lemon chicken drizzled with a rich and buttery lemon garlic sauce. A quick and flavorful dinner recipe ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ lb chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), patted dry
2 large eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ lemon, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
Place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and lightly pound with a meat mallet until evenly thick.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
In a separate bowl, combine:
Grated Parmesan cheese
All-purpose flour
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
Then dredge thoroughly in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Reduce the heat if the coating begins to brown too quickly.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in:
Lemon juice
Chicken broth
Black pepper
Simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken.
Turn the chicken gently to coat with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor and is highly recommended.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best crust and texture.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure a crispy coating.
Chicken cutlets cook faster and more evenly than thick chicken breasts.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
The sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
