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 1513 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 1513 votes (1,067 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Yvonne
    January 14, 2023

    Can I use almond flour instead of regular? I am trying to stay on the keto diet. Everything on this works except the flour.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 14, 2023

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

      Reply

  • Alyson
    January 10, 2023

    I’m making this for 10 people. Is it possible to cook the chicken breasts in the oven?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 10, 2023

      Hi Alyson! I hope you find this helpful. Here’s what one of our readers said about baking it in an oven: “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

  • Gina Iovino
    January 10, 2023

    Hi Natasha,

    Can I use almond flour for a gluten free option?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 10, 2023

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

      Reply

      • mike
        January 22, 2023

        Did you still poor the lemon butter sauce over the chicken after cooking?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          January 22, 2023

          Hi Mike! If you have extra sauce and would like to use it, yes- you can continue to pour it over the chicken even after it’s cooked.

          Reply

  • Georgia
    January 10, 2023

    Hi!
    For the sauce do you think salted butter would pair well with it, or do you think it would it be too overpowering?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2023

      Hi Georgia, you may use salted butter and omit the salt in the recipe.

      Reply

  • dave wertlieb
    January 9, 2023

    Terrific recipe. Delicious. I have a few suggestions:
    1. Your ingredients call for 1 Tbsp EVOO to sautee, but in the instructions you say use enough to coat bottom of pan.
    2. I really like to simplify where possible. Use only one pan, not two. Cook chicken first; set aside; cook “sauce” in same pan; add back chicken at the end, being sure to turn once to coat.
    3. For the amount of chicken in your recipe, there was not enough coating. You call for 1 and1/2 bs of chicken; I used only a lb. and ran out of coating.
    4. I do not understand suggestion about “marinating” in the egg mixture. Egg is not a marinade, nothing penetrates, so a wasted step. Marinades usually need some acid (vinegar, lemon juice) to penetrate the protein.
    5. Instead of lemon slices to garnish, I added them to the cooking sauce before adding back the cooked chicken

    Reply

  • Holly
    January 9, 2023

    Do you grate fresh Parmesan for this recipe or use the pre-grated Parmesan in a container?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 9, 2023

      Hi Holly, either will work – you can use pre-grated parmesan or freshly grate (finely grated works best)

      Reply

  • Laura
    January 8, 2023

    Made this Lemon Butter Chicken tonight. Absolutely delicious! I served over lightly flavored Cilantro rice and reduced the sauce a bit. My family loved the delicate garlic and lemon flavor. Outstanding!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 8, 2023

      That’s great, Laura! Thank you for letting me know. So glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Cindie Groth
    January 8, 2023

    Can I just say OMG That’s good great chicken recipe!, I’ll definitely keep this one in my book of favorites. My compliments to the chef 🧑‍🍳

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 8, 2023

      So glad you loved it, Cindie! Thank you.

      Reply

  • Ginny
    January 7, 2023

    Whenever I ask my boyfriend what he wants for dinner he always asks for this lemon chicken recipe. We both love it so much!! I also add a few capers and double the sauce. Cant say enough about how delicious and easy this recipe is to make. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 7, 2023

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Ginny!

      Reply

  • Stephanie
    January 6, 2023

    This is so easy and delicious! I’ve made it several times because it’s a no-fail, and my picky boyfriend loves it. I’m going to make it again as a sandwich with garlic aioli on crusty bread. Thank you for your great recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 6, 2023

      It’s my pleasure! I’m so glad you love this.

      Reply

  • Emma
    January 5, 2023

    Absolutely amazing and very delicious. My husband and 10 month old loved it a lot. They both had a second helping of it!! Definitely making this more often!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 5, 2023

      I’m glad to hear that, Emma! 🙂

      Reply

  • Nico
    December 18, 2022

    Easy and delicious. I added capers and served over linguini. Magnifico!

    Reply

  • sonya stepanovich
    December 14, 2022

    Hi do you think you can make one day before for a party? If so, how do you recommend storing it and preparing it?
    TIA!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 14, 2022

      Hi Sonya! I don’t know how the crust texture and taste would be if you try to reheat these. I think they are best fresh. But let us know if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Illape
    December 14, 2022

    Delicious!! really easy to make, once you have all your ingredients together it’s a no brainer. My husband went for more and asked me to keep this dish as part of our regular rotation. Gracias!!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 14, 2022

      That’s wonderful! So glad he loved it.

      Reply

  • Maurissa
    December 9, 2022

    Absolutely delicious 🙌 I saw some comments about sauce being a little thin so I added a little sour cream and half and half to the sauce 🤭 we enjoyed very much, served over sour cream mashed potatoes, my husband said it was his new favorite, thank you!!

    Acts 2:38 KJV
    The name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost IS Jesus Christ 😆🙌🙏🤍

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2022

      I’m so happy you loved this recipe, Maurissa! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment!

      Reply

  • Don
    December 7, 2022

    My Family loves anything Lemon so this was a big hit. I made the sauce in a sauce pan and added it to the Chicken and Asparagus’ and turned down the heat but the initial heat boiled the sauce for a second or two and thickened it nicely. We have 2 Lemon Trees so this is perfect.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 7, 2022

      Hi Don! I’m so glad it was a hit. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Jacey Corriveau
    December 3, 2022

    This was such an easy to follow recipe that called for simple and common ingredients .
    The result was a wonderfully tasty dish that the adults and kids in my home both enjoyed.
    I love this recipe site in general and have yet to attempt any of her recipes that did not work out .
    And, Natasha herself seems like such a friendly, kind and sweet person …her youtube videos are educational and uplifting to watch.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 3, 2022

      Thank you for sharing, Jacey! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply

  • Julie
    November 30, 2022

    Hello – I am most likely going to be making this at some point. Was curious – off of some comments of the sauce being to thin – how can I make it a touch thicker, without taking away from the flavor?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 30, 2022

      Hi Julie, if you’d like it thicker, you can try boiling it down more or adding four. I haven’t tried thickening it, but cooking it down or adding flour may do that trick! I hope that helps!

      Reply

    • Don
      December 7, 2022

      use a little corn starch and water . It will take very little

      Reply

  • Sue manuel
    November 14, 2022

    I did this exactly as per recipe and I was disappointed. The sauce is too thin and I wasn’t fond of the chicken. I wished I liked it. Oh well

    Reply

    • Sandy
      November 17, 2022

      Have to say, I felt the same. Way to thin…🤷🏻‍♀️. Loved the chicken though, it was really tasty and tender, I’ll be for sure preparing it again.

      Reply

    • Pamela
      August 26, 2023

      I was disappointed as well. I thought it had too much of a raw garlic taste. I cooked it exactly like it said. Also when dredging, I always dip into the flour first, then the egg and back into flour. Then it doesn’t fall off and tastes much better.

      Reply

  • Diana
    November 11, 2022

    I’ve made this a couple of times and it’s delicious. For next time, can I use thin sliced chicken breasts?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 11, 2022

      Hi Diana! I’m happy to hear you love it. One of my readers reported great results using thinly sliced chicken.

      Reply

      • Chris L
        December 29, 2022

        I made this tonight using thinly sliced chicken breast. 2 minutes per side and they came out perfect! I also added about half a teaspoon of cornstarch to the sauce to thicken it up. Paired with loaded mashed potatoes and roasted lemon and parmesan broccolini. Delicious!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          December 29, 2022

          Yum! Sounds delicious!

          Reply

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