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 1489 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 1489 votes (1,067 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Mary
    August 10, 2021

    Love the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 10, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Ali Scott
    August 7, 2021

    Absolutely amazing!

    Reply

  • Jennifer Willes
    August 6, 2021

    Very big hit tonight! Great flavor.

    Reply

  • chris allen
    August 6, 2021

    Reviewing the ingredients and recipe, maybe this should read “boneless” chicken?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 7, 2021

      Hi Chris, we used chicken breast, which is boneless.

      Reply

  • Kathleen
    August 3, 2021

    I’ve made this several times I love it the only change by mistake used shredded parm sautéed 2 minutes each side cooked in oven for 30 minutes so tender cut with a fork 😀😀

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 3, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Kathleen! That sounds delicious!

      Reply

  • Hugh C
    July 31, 2021

    This is a great recipe! With recipes like this and semi-skilled preparation who needs to eat out? Love the Parmesan coating!
    My only recommendation is to dial back the butter by 2 tbsp. and add a little flour for thickening.

    Reply

  • Teresa
    July 29, 2021

    Hey! Every time we go out to eat my husband orders lemon chicken and complains its not lemony enough so I want to make him some myself. He also talk about liking capers but I am not familiar with them or their flavor. Can I add some capers to this? Do those flavors go well? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 29, 2021

      Hi Teresa, this recipe will work great with capers; we had a few readers report great results. I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Lisa R.
    July 27, 2021

    This is my favorite recipe to make! Super easy, fast clean up, and everyone from a 2 year old to my husband love it! I follow the recipe to the T and it comes out perfect each time! Highly recommend this!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 27, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Lisa!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    July 17, 2021

    Seriously delicious and everyone will love it! Have made it several times and will continue to!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 17, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Michelle!

      Reply

  • Joribah
    July 10, 2021

    I’m not much of a cook but I’m gaining interest. Tried this recipe today and loved it!! Very easy to follow, I’ll definitely be making it again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 10, 2021

      That’s so great! I’m glad you took that first step! I hope you try and love more recipes!

      Reply

  • Caroline
    July 1, 2021

    Made this tonight and it was a great hit….Made it exactly as is with one exception: I didn’t want to waste the leftover parm breading mix, so after plating the chicken onto a serving platter I added the parm to the lemon sauce and cooked it up a bit. The sauce didn’t LOOK as pretty with the parm in it, but the flavor was great. My husband said it was one of the best lemon chicken/piccata-like dishes he’s ever had!! High praise coming from him. My (adult) kids don’t even ask me anymore where a new recipe is from – they just assume it’s from “Natasha”!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 1, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me. That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Lindsey
    June 29, 2021

    Delicious 😋 make sure you spray your pans good before starting because it can get a little stuck!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 29, 2021

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe Lindsey!

      Reply

  • Tonya
    June 24, 2021

    I followed this recipe as is only added more cheese and flour because I did double the chicken but this was very good it was a hit all the way around for me and my family. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 25, 2021

      Glad you loved the recipe, Tonya. Thank you for your great review and feedback!

      Reply

      • Jan
        June 28, 2021

        I made this tonight and my husband ate two pieces. It is the best chicken I’ve had in a very long time!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          June 28, 2021

          Love it! Thanks for sharing that with u, Jan, Glad you both enjoyed this recipe!

          Reply

  • Denneane Clayton
    June 23, 2021

    This is one of my family’s favorite recipes. It is absolutely delicious. I also shared it with some of my friends, and they can’t wait to try it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 23, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Denneane. Thank you for sharing that with your friends!

      Reply

  • Diane Willoby
    June 22, 2021

    I am making this tonight ! Looking for something different and I think this might work! So excited

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2021

      Sounds like a good plan, Diane. Hope it becomes your new favorite!

      Reply

      • Ellen
        October 3, 2022

        absolutely delish! added a little honey tsp to sauce and a tsp cornstarch my preference but not nessesary, tastes like our Italian recipe loved it! keeper ; )

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 3, 2022

          I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ellen!

          Reply

  • Vicki B
    June 21, 2021

    Hello! How would you suggest to keep the chicken warm without drying it out, if I’m transporting it from my house to another location? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 22, 2021

      Hi Vicki, it would depend on how long it takes, of course. But you can leave it in a warm casserole dish with a cover and wrap it in a towel/blanket for transport. I haven’t tried keeping it in a slow cooker that will likely keep cooking it.

      Reply

  • Dawn m
    June 21, 2021

    Delicious recipe! My whole family loved it, will definitely make again

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2021

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Dawn. Good to know that the recipe was a hit!

      Reply

  • Ada
    June 21, 2021

    This was amazing! I am not always successful in the kitchen, but this worked. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 21, 2021

      I’m so glad you gave this a try, Ada!

      Reply

  • Ellen
    June 20, 2021

    My family loved this:) Great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 20, 2021

      That is awesome! Thanks for your review, Ellen. I’m glad your family enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Deena
    June 17, 2021

    Made this tonight and really liked it. So different and delicious 😋

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 18, 2021

      Glad you liked the recipe, Deena! Thank you for your review and feedback.

      Reply

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