Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this mouthwatering Parmesan Crusted Lemon Chicken! Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken breast that's bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a crunchy Parmesan crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe is so simple yet so impressive, it'll become your go-to meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Get ready to become the culinary hero of your household with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp crust will form.
- In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the coating mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat completely in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden crust!
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the most intense flavor and best coating texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each chicken breast space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 165°F (74°C) is the perfect doneness for chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and allow the juices to redistribute.
- For extra flavor, try adding some dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
- If you want an extra crispy crust, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
