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

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.98 from 1513 votes (1,067 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Danielle
    October 24, 2023

    Tastes amazing but the chicken stuck to my pan even with oil! Lost most of
    The good parm/flour topping!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 24, 2023

      Hi Danielle, did you ensure to thoroughly pre-heat the pan for a few minutes?

      Reply

  • Cheryl Black-Blair
    October 24, 2023

    This was so yummy!! I used the Chick-fil-A lemon parmesan panko in place of the flour..pulverized it so fine like flour.
    My sister says it is the best chicken she’s ever had!!
    Congrats on the success of your cookbook..Please next time consider a trip to Orlando/Central Florida.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 24, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Cheryl! Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Paula Grover
    October 23, 2023

    Made this last night with seasoned steamed green beans and creamed potatoes. So delicious!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 23, 2023

      Sounds wonderful!

      Reply

  • Carol
    October 16, 2023

    Made it! Love it! My husband was super impressed. I cut the recipe in half and it was just awesome. Delicate lemon flavor and not overpowering- goes in my cook book

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 16, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks a lot for this review.

      Reply

  • Sandy
    October 13, 2023

    Made the lemon chicken recipe while at the outer banks on a family reunion. All 20 of the family loved it! Not a piece of chicken or a drop of sauce left. I would love to post a pic but don’t see a way.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 13, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Sandy! You can’t upload a picture here but you can tag me on Instagram or Facebook. #natashaskitchen

      Reply

  • Marina Z
    October 9, 2023

    Oh my!!!! This has become my picky husband’s favorite go-to meal for work i make him all the time cuz we always have lemons and Garlic and parmesen cheese and i buy tenderloins and just cut thick ones in half dont even beat them. Literally takes 30 mins and cook rice in instant pot.

    Just way Too much butter
    even if I cut it to 3 TBsp it iust floats on top so I cant imagine 8. I do 1 whole cup of chicken broth each time perfect amount of sauce to drip onto rice. At the end I add cut little slices of lemon on top and add sprinkle of more salt. Perfect!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 9, 2023

      I’m glad to hear that your husband loves this recipe a lot! No worries about the butter, feel free to lessen it according to your preference. It is perfect for us though!

      Reply

  • Jodie
    October 7, 2023

    I made it pretty much as written but with smaller amounts as I was cooking for two. Really crispy on the outside, moist inside, I added a tsp of capers to the sauce. Served with red potatoes. My husband says ‘restaurant quality’! I loved it too!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 7, 2023

      Hi Jodie! I’m so glad you loved the recipe.

      Reply

  • Tommy
    September 28, 2023

    Good recipe. I reduced the butter to 2 tablespoons for lower fat/dietary reasons and added a bit more lemon and stock, then thickened the sauce with rice flour.

    I also eliminated all added salt for dietary reasons.

    I doubled the spices in the egg wash and used grapeseed oil.

    The chicken came out very crispy which paired nicely with the sauce. I’ll make this again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 28, 2023

      Great to hear that you enjoyed out recipe, Tommy! Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply

  • Donna
    September 23, 2023

    LOVE THIS! It cooks so well in avocado oil so I don’t burn it. Love the flavor and dipping the meat in leftover sauce. Tried to add my picture but won’t let me.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 23, 2023

      I’m so glad you loved it, Donna! Feel free to share some photos of your creation on our Facebook page or group.

      Reply

  • Sharon Hall
    September 22, 2023

    Delicious. I cut the lemon juice down but we had the flavour. Soft and tender chicken. Will definitely make again.

    Reply

  • Ida
    September 18, 2023

    Can this be made ahead of time for a party? If yes when would you add the sauce? Also, do you think the chicken can be frozen after it’s fried?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 19, 2023

      Yes, you can make this ahead of time. I recommend checking this part in the recipe “Can I make this Ahead?” for more info. I haven’t tried freezing it, though, and I worry the parmesan breading will get soggy once defrosted.

      Reply

  • Daisy
    September 17, 2023

    It sounds delish. Can you make this without the egg and flour mixture? Looking for a keto alternative.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 17, 2023

      Hi Daisy, I haven’t experimented on that version to advise. If you do an experiment, we’d like to know how it goes.

      Reply

  • Susan
    September 16, 2023

    I made the lemon chicken as directed, it was excellent. It was easy to make and do very tasty. My husband loved it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2023

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Susan!

      Reply

  • Sandrina
    September 5, 2023

    Made this tonight for my very finicky grandkids. When an 11 year old asks, “Nonna, can I have the recipe please?”, you know it’s a winner.

    I followed it exactly and would not change a thing! Served with buttered egg noodles.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 5, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Sandrina! I bet that makes a grandmas heart feel so full.

      Reply

  • Kathy Harris
    September 4, 2023

    Good recipe however I omitted making the sauce in a saucepan. Instead I removed the chicken from the skillet after browning and made the sauce on the skillet using the drippings

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 4, 2023

      Sounds good, as long as you loved it!

      Reply

  • Jan
    September 4, 2023

    Made this tonight; thank you it was delicious. I had to make the sauce twice as I tried to thicken it with cornflour and it separated, went lumpy, any suggestions please? Also can you make the sauce no using so much butter.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 4, 2023

      Hi Jan! I’m glad you loved the recipe. Corn starch can work to thicken sauces but it’s not quite the same as corn flour.
      I have not tried to make this with less butter, but you can experiment with it some more if you’d like. Sorry I can’t be more help.

      Reply

      • Jan
        September 5, 2023

        Thank you for your reply.. I will definitely be making it again. Jan

        Reply

  • Chris N.
    September 3, 2023

    This recipe is so delicious and easy! I make it for friends, family and business meals. We use chicken thighs pounded thin and it’s always a hit!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 3, 2023

      Hey Chris, thanks for your good comments and feedback. Happy to hear that your family and friends love it as well!

      Reply

  • Kim Hughes
    August 26, 2023

    First time I made this and absolutely delicious. 😋 Will
    definitely be making again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 26, 2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kim!

      Reply

      • Daniel Renna
        September 25, 2023

        Hi, made this several times now. Always a huge hit. I’m a little confused with figuring out the calorie count. I doubled the recepie which give approximately 10 chicken cutlets. Please let me know how to figure the amount of each serving and calories per serving. Thank you

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          September 26, 2023

          Hi Daniel. There really isn’t a way to do that easily. The nutrition facts are computer generated and the recipe is estimated to make 4 servings (cutlets). The nutrition facts listed are per each serving. I suppose if you doubled every ingredient you can take the nutrition facts and multiply it by 8. That would be the total amount of fat, carbs, protein, etc.. for the recipe doubled. Once you have that number, you can divide it by 10 (since you got 10 cutlets) and that should give you a close enough estimate. I hope that helps.

          Reply

  • TB
    August 25, 2023

    Even when adding flour, the sauce was too thin and just a tad too lemony. The chicken was wonderful, great crust. I would use thin sliced next time, and I would possibly cut down the butter, maybe add some cream and thicken with corn starch. My family loved it regardless.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 25, 2023

      Thank you for the feedback, TB. I’m glad your family still enjoyed it.

      Reply

  • Jill J
    August 18, 2023

    I made this for the first time last night and we loved it. I personally would have liked the sauce a little thicker so I will add some corn starch next time. My husband had the idea to mix the leftover egg mixture and cheese mixture and made little fritters in the pan after we cooked the chicken. They were delicious also!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 18, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jill! I’m so glad you loved it!

      Reply

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