If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive, this Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is exactly what you need! It’s a perfect balance of zesty lemon, rich parmesan, and garlicky goodness, creating a dish that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate quick and delicious dinner option. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Simple Yet Flavorful: A handful of ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish.
Crispy & Juicy: A golden, parmesan-crusted exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside.
Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Light & Fresh: The bright lemon and garlic flavors keep it from feeling too heavy.
Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, salads, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
This dish is all about simple ingredients with big flavor:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded evenly for perfect cooking.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that complements the garlic.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy, cheesy crust when seared.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): For extra crunch, use panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs.
Butter & Olive Oil: A mix of both gives you the best of rich flavor and crispiness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, mix grated parmesan, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs (if using).
Sauté Garlic & Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Coat & Sear the Chicken: Press the chicken into the parmesan mixture to coat both sides. Place in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Add Lemon Juice: In the last minute of cooking, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a burst of citrusy flavor.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan, and serve hot!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some great pairing ideas:
With Pasta: Serve over angel hair or linguine tossed in olive oil or a light butter sauce.
On a Salad: Slice and serve over a fresh Caesar or arugula salad.
With Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
As a Sandwich: Serve in a toasted bun with a drizzle of garlic aioli.
Additional Tips
Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: They cook faster and absorb more flavor.
Get Extra Crispy: If you want more crunch, bake the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: It adds depth and brightness to the dish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat Without Drying Out: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier but may need a few extra minutes to cook.
Q2: Can I make this dish in the oven?
A2: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Q3: What’s the best way to keep the crust from falling off?
A3: Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking.
Q4: Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
A4: Freshly grated parmesan melts and crisps up better than pre-grated versions.
Q5: How do I make this gluten-free?
A5: Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed almonds or gluten-free panko.
Q6: Can I meal prep this chicken?
A6: Yes! Cook ahead and store in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Q7: What kind of skillet works best?
A7: A cast iron skillet gives the crispiest, most golden-brown crust.
Q8: Can I air-fry this chicken?
A8: Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q9: How do I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix.
Q10: Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
A10: Yes! Marinate in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything you want in a meal—fast, flavorful, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and let me know how you love to serve it!
Print
Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make! With a delicious blend of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether baked or air-fried, this healthy, high-protein recipe is a guaranteed favorite. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juiced (2 tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F or air fryer to 375°F.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Transfer to a resealable bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, onion powder, oregano, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour ¾ of the mixture into the bag with the chicken. Seal and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Reserve the remaining ¼ of the marinade in the fridge for serving.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 17-20 minutes. If air frying, cook for 12 minutes.
- Drizzle with reserved marinade before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute white vinegar for lemon juice.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or over a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 120mg