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

  • Christina
    February 9, 2021

    Delicious! Would definitely make this recipe again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe, Christina! Thank you for leaving your excellent review with us.

      Reply

  • Javier Rodriguez
    February 8, 2021

    Amazing. Just amazing

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

  • Nancy
    February 7, 2021

    Just finished having this for dinner tonight. OMG!! It was so delicious!! Thanks!! Natasha for sharing this recipe with everyone.
    Nancy

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 7, 2021

      Perfect! I’m glad you loved it, Nancy. Thanks for your awesome review.

      Reply

  • Peg Kelly
    February 6, 2021

    I’m making the lemon butter chicken and made the sauce early. it is very thin. is it supposed to be thicker?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 6, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Roberta
    February 4, 2021

    I doubled the lemon juice and added some Italian seasoning to make the sauce to my taste. Very yummy. If I made it again, however, I’d want to figure out the best way to bake it to make it healthier. Thank you for inspiring me to try something different.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 5, 2021

      You’re welcome, Roberta. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

    • Nikki
      February 10, 2021

      You need an air fryer

      Reply

  • Martina
    February 4, 2021

    Just made this and it was delicious! I did double the sauce recipe and I added a little milk to it to make it a little creamier. Loved this so much more than chicken franchise. Thanks for the great recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 4, 2021

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

      Reply

      • Jenn
        February 12, 2021

        Amazing just amazing made this for dinner tonight and it was a huge hit i will definetly be making this again, i served the sauce on the side so the chicken wouldnt get soggy and added panko breadcrumbs to the cheese mix…it was so so so so good.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          February 12, 2021

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

          Reply

  • Dawn
    February 4, 2021

    Absolutely delicious. I used the sauce on some fresh pasta, so light and tasty. Very easy recipe to follow….thanks Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 4, 2021

      So glad to hear that, Dawn. Thank you for the great review!

      Reply

  • Rori Tyler
    February 4, 2021

    A favorite in my house!! I took my leftovers to work and my coworkers.. which you know, (The Selepinas), said it smelled so good!
    Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 4, 2021

      You’re welcome, Rori! I’m so glad you all enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • John G
    February 3, 2021

    Loved it all ! added 1 tbs of flour to chicken stock and then added it to the heated butter lemon and garlic. Thickened nicely.Served on linguine. Sauce, parm chicken, and pasta married beautifully.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 4, 2021

      Hi John, great to hear that you loved this recipe! I hope you’ll love every recipe that you will try.

      Reply

  • Yvonne Sinchuk
    February 3, 2021

    Am out of chicken stock can I just add water

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 3, 2021

      Hi, I think it will be lacking some flavor using water only.

      Reply

    • Chuck Baker
      March 5, 2021

      I always keep jars of ‘Better Than Bouillon’ on hand to make stock. It’s a paste that comes in many different flavors and you can make as little or as much stock is needed for recipes.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        March 5, 2021

        We do the same, Chuck!

        Reply

      • margaret fyffe
        November 28, 2021

        Hello, I am wondering what would be the best way to make ahead to serve 160 people?
        Thank you
        Margaret

        Reply

  • Nancy
    February 3, 2021

    Wow, this was amazing! This is now my favorite chicken recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Janine Barclay
    February 1, 2021

    This was really good and easy. I think 1 egg would have been enough I threw some away and I had a lot of extra lemon sauce I will save it for next time.

    Reply

  • Fay Cowell
    February 1, 2021

    I’m looking for a chicken spinach and mushroom dish I follow you and I can’t find it

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 2, 2021

      Hi Fay, are you referring to the Creamy Herb Mushroom Chicken recipe? If not, feel free to go to my website and use the search bar to look for the recipe.

      Reply

  • Irwin
    February 1, 2021

    Made this for the first time with linguine. I was looking for a quick and easy chicken recipe. It was very easy and my husband enjoyed it and he’s not big on lemony flavors. I just cut three chicken breast and did not use a mallet. Will add veggies next time. Looking forward to leftovers.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2021

      Thank you for sharing that wonderful feedback with me, Irwin! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Tabs
    January 30, 2021

    So far made this twice. Yum thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2021

      I’m glad you loved it! You are very welcome.

      Reply

  • Jean
    January 29, 2021

    Made this for for my husband and I , was awesome. Served the leftover chicken and sauce over pasta the next day

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 29, 2021

      Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed that! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Joyce
    January 28, 2021

    Just made this recipe tonight and it came out fantastic! Everyone loved it. Perfect flavor. Thank you so much for sharing it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 28, 2021

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

      Reply

  • miriam cobb
    January 25, 2021

    I cooked this recipe and it came out so good. I made it for my family and didn’t take pics. Also, made some for senior friends and they loved it too. Thanks. I will make it again. Was very easy to cook.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 25, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Mal
    January 24, 2021

    Love this recipe. But as I read how to make the butter sauce I didn’t know I was gonna need the the Italian seasoning in it didn’t say that but as its telling how to make it it says add the Italian seasoning in there and I didn’t I now how much. Just wanted to point that out. Thanks

    Reply

  • Earlene
    January 22, 2021

    Found your recipe while looking what to do with chicken breast from a store roasted chicken
    Made your sauce adding mushrooms and cooking longer
    Made your breading using
    Grate your own cheese .
    The chicken is already cooked
    So put in skillet only long enough to brown on both sides
    And served with your sauce
    Wonderful
    Loved it. N

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 22, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

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