This parmesan-crusted Lemon Chicken Recipe is so EASY to make and completely ready in 30 minutes! The quick garlic and lemon butter sauce enhances the flavor of the chicken and adds so much flavor to the dish!

Homemade lemon chicken recipe in a skillet topped with a lemon butter sauce and fresh lemon slices then garnished with herbs.

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I’m convinced you’ll love my Lemon Chicken with the best Lemon Butter Sauce.

Lemon Chicken Recipe:

This dish is going to become a favorite chicken dinner recipe for BUSY evenings. The chicken breast is generously coated in parmesan and pan-fried to give it a crispy crust. The chicken is then smothered in a lemon butter sauce with garlic that adds so much flavor to the chicken.

We love easy 30-minute chicken recipes for busy weeknights and some of our go-to’s include Chicken Marsala, classic Chicken Parmesan and of course this easy lemon garlic chicken. With these recipes in your arsenal, you can make restaurant-quality meals for a fraction of the price of eating out.

Parmesan crusted chicken breast on a bed of mashed potatoes and zucchini in a lemon butter sauce topped with greens.

How to Make Lemon Chicken:

With just a few simple ingredients a few minutes of prep time, you can have yourself the most DELICIOUS crispy chicken breast in a buttery garlic lemon sauce!

  1. Cut chicken in half lengthwise and beat with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture – whisk together eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare Parmesan Mixture – in a separate bowl, mix together the parmesan cheese and flour.
  4. Dredge the Chicken – coat in the egg mixture, then generously coat in parmesan mixture, shaking off excess.
  5. Cook Chicken. Add oil to a hot skillet then add breaded chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165˚F with an Instant Read Thermometer.

Cook’s Tip If the chicken crust begins to brown too quickly, reduce heat allowing the chicken to fully cook through.

Step-by-step collage instructions how to make lemon chicken with lemon butter sauce.

How to Make Lemon Butter Sauce:

This 5-minute EASY lemon butter sauce will become a staple in your home. The sauce is tangy from the fresh lemon and butter and the garlic just brings all the flavors together – SO GOOD!

For a quicker dinner, prepare the lemon sauce in a separate saucepan or skillet while the chicken is cooking. Then just pour the sauce over the chicken once it is cooked. Or, you can just cook the chicken, remove it from the skillet (cover to keep warm) and prepare the sauce in the same skillet, then add the chicken back.

  1. Saute the garlic and butter until fragrant.
  2. Whisk in the lemon juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Allow the sauce to cook over med heat for about 2 minutes.

NOTE: We love the fresh and tangy lemon flavor in this recipe. If you prefer a less lemony flavor, reduce the lemon juice.

Parmesan crusted chicken with a lemon butter sauce in a skillet topped lemon slices.

Can I make this Ahead?

If you like to prep dinner in advance, slice the chicken and add it to the egg mixture, cover and refrigerate until you are ready for dinner. Allowing the chicken to marinate will result in a juicier and more tender chicken breast. Then, just continue with the remaining recipe instructions.

Can I make the Lemon Chicken without Parmesan Crust?

Yes! For a healthier option, completely omit the egg mixture and parmesan mixture. Slice the chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, continue with the preparation of the sauce.

Substituting for Chicken Thighs?

This lemon chicken will work with chicken breast, chicken thighs, and even chicken tenderloins. You will want to prepare the recipe according to the instructions, the only difference will be in the cooking time. The cook time will depend on the size of the thighs, you want the internal temperature to reach 165F on an instant-read thermometer.

Adding Vegetables to the Chicken in Skillet:

Yes, you may definitely add vegetables to complete the dish. Asparagus, green beans, and zucchini will all go great with the lemon sauce and compliment the chicken

Easy 30-minute Chicken Lemon on a plate with mashed potatoes and zucchini topped with lemon butter.

I can’t wait for you to give this simple chicken dinner recipe a try!

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken?

The EASY chicken dish is completely ready in just 30 minutes and can be served with our Mashed Potatoes or your favorite pasta and it pairs well with Caesar Salad.

More Chicken Recipes to Try:

Lemon Chicken with BEST Lemon Butter Sauce

4.98 from 1480 votes
Lemon chicken in lemon butter sauce in skillet garnished with lemon slices
This parmesan-crusted Lemon Chicken Recipe is easy and done in 30 minutes! The quick lemon butter sauce pairs so well with the chicken.
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

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

For the Egg Mixture:

For the Parmesan Breading Mixture:

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Sauce:

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Lightly beat with a meat mallet until even in thickness.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the egg mixture. In another bowl, combine the ingredients for the parmesan mixture. Dip chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge chicken in the parmesan mixture. Allow any excess ingredients to fall off from each bowl.
  • In a large non-stick skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side, or until crispy, golden and cooked through to 165˚F on an Instant Read Thermometer. Reduce the heat if chicken browns too quickly.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt butter and garlic, cook until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice and pepper. Allow the sauce to cook for about 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, turning to coat. Garnish with lemon slices and finely chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving

560kcal Calories9g Carbs46g Protein38g Fat20g Saturated Fat273mg Cholesterol1109mg Sodium738mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar1105IU Vitamin A17mg Vitamin C322mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Lemon Chicken with BEST Lemon Butter Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
560
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
38
g
58
%
Saturated Fat
 
20
g
125
%
Cholesterol
 
273
mg
91
%
Sodium
 
1109
mg
48
%
Potassium
 
738
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
46
g
92
%
Vitamin A
 
1105
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
 
17
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
322
mg
32
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon chicken
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 560
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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4.98 from 1480 votes (1,067 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Kate
    July 19, 2025

    I made the recipe also and baked it in the oven. It was absolutely delicious.
    Will definitely make it again

    Reply

  • MJ
    July 15, 2025

    Delicious recipe, I made it as directed and loved it .
    Thank you for another great recipe.

    Reply

  • Teresa Licari
    July 3, 2025

    This was the best chicken lemon i made, I added at least double more garlic, more black pepper, some red pepper flakes and a good tablespoon+ of italian seasoning and used 4 eggs. I had 4 small chicken breasts that were 1.5 pds and towards the end I drizzed my left over egg and cheese mix over the cooked chicken breast to lighly fry up the left over egg.. It was a lot more olive oil than 1 tablespoon to cover the bottom of the large nonstick pan. I also made more lemon sauce because I cooked a pound of fettucine and wanted extra sauce for that. Also added more garlic and black pepper to the sauce. This had a lot of flavor and definately a keeper. Just make sure you don’t burn the chicken as it fries. Garlic and parmesan cheese do no like to be burned. Came out amazing!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 3, 2025

      So glad you loved it. Thank you for sharing, Teresa!

      Reply

  • Kelly Dumesnil
    July 1, 2025

    Hello , this sounds amazing and I love anything with lemon. My question is, could I increase the amount of broth and add egg noodles to cook in it ? Thank you , Kelly

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 2, 2025

      Sure, you can absolutely add them. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Cindy
    July 1, 2025

    Didn’t use all the butter I added more chicken stock and olive oil. I like the idea that some one posted. Useing white wine and serving with pasta

    Reply

  • Grant
    June 29, 2025

    This is a terrific recipe. I have made this several times in the past year. I add a 1/4 cup of white wine with the lemon juice. I serve with a lemon butter garlic pasta. Everyone loves it. Thanks Natasha.

    Reply

  • Luda
    June 27, 2025

    Good day, Natasha and team. I wanted to stop by and share how much my family loved this recipe. I’ve already made it four times in past 2 months, and today I doubled the recipe. Today we had it with creamy mashed potatoes and tomato-cucumber-onion salad. It was delicious 😋. What is your recommendation on reheating this dish? Thank you 💝

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 28, 2025

      Hi Luda! I’m so glad your family enjoyed this recipe. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you could reheat in the oven or pan.

      Reply

  • Sam
    June 25, 2025

    Excellent recipe! Everyone loved it! Thank you!

    Reply

  • Thom Padrick
    June 21, 2025

    Hi Natasha! I’m a huge fan. I have a question about the flour. Can I substitute the flour with Almond flour? Thank you for all the great recipes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 21, 2025

      Hi Thom, while I have not tested it but one of my readers left a comment that they used almond flour and it turned out great!

      Reply

      • Thom Padrick
        June 23, 2025

        Thank You Natasha! Looking forward to trying it.

        Reply

  • Chad
    June 16, 2025

    ROCK STAR Chicken recipe. Hands-down, the best chicken recipe out there.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2025

      I’m so happy you loved this recipe! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Kelly
    June 9, 2025

    Hello! This recipe was delicious! I was just wondering if you could cook the chicken in the oven? If so what would you suggest for temp and how long?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 10, 2025

      Hi Kelly! Here is what one of my viewers said: “It worked in the oven! I used 1 cup of panko bread crumbs and 1 cup of parmesan cheese instead of the flour/parmesan mix, used cooking spray in my pan, and baked at 375 for 30-35 minutes. My family wanted it crispier, so next time I’ll broil for a few more minutes at the end.”

      Reply

      • Ana
        June 16, 2025

        I tried it the baking version and also the pan one – both are amazing! I will stick to the baking one – I didn’t have breadcrumbs so I added one cup of crushed cornflakes. Thank you for the recipe!

        Reply

  • Robyn
    June 9, 2025

    My husband really liked this recipe. I poured the lemon butter sauce over the chicken and linguine. I’m a vegetarian, so I used vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, and I just had the pasta and lemon butter sauce. This is something I would serve to company! I’m saving the recipe and will make it again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 9, 2025

      I’m so happy to hear you both loved it, Robyn! I agree, this is a perfect dish for company!

      Reply

  • Monica Young
    May 22, 2025

    I have been making this dish for about 4years, because it has become a beloved family favorite. Recently, we bought an air fryer, and I am wondering if could cook the chicken, and how long? Would I need to modify the recipe?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 22, 2025

      Hi Monica! I’m so glad your family enjoys the recipe. I imagine that will work but I haven’t personally tried it to advise of the modifications. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Cindy
    May 20, 2025

    Definitely a keeper. I love lemon and this was just the right amount. Served with some angel hair pasta.

    Reply

  • Maria Lafalce
    May 20, 2025

    My kids are picky eaters and they can’t have enough of this!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 20, 2025

      That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Debbie B
    May 18, 2025

    Very good! I too added a bit of lemon zest to the sauce. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply

  • Dave S
    May 12, 2025

    Great simple recipe that tastes great. The only change I made was to add the zest from the lemons to the sauce which intensifies the lemon flavor

    Reply

  • Jacquie
    May 10, 2025

    I wondering if there’s a misprint in the Parmesan/flour recipe. 1 cup of parm and 3 tbs flour makes for a literally sticky mess in the pan while cooking. All the coating stuck to the pan and the chicken breast became bare. Perhaps it should read 1 cup of flour and 3 tbs Parmesan cheese? The flavor is definitely delicious but I was disappointed with the crustless chicken filet.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 13, 2025

      Hi Jacquie, the recipe is correct, but a couple of things come to mind. Sticking is usually due to either not using enough oil (make sure it covers the bottom fo the pan) and also make sure to use a non-stick skillet. Also, grated parmesan (the one that looks finely ground up rather than shredded), works better to prevent sticking in this recipe. I sure hope thats helpful for next time.

      Reply

  • Carolyn Hart
    April 28, 2025

    So yummy! Love the crispy coating and chicken is so juicy. The sauce is delicious. One of our new favourite dinners.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 28, 2025

      I’m so glad you loved it, Carolyn!

      Reply

  • kinsey E gleason
    April 22, 2025

    This chicken recipe was so good. I found it super easy to make and even my daughter approved.

    Reply

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