Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast, its Parmesan crust crackling with every bite, while a luxurious lemon-garlic butter sauce drizzles enticingly across the plate. This isn't just another chicken recipe—this is a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this irresistible Italian-inspired dish that combines crunchy textures, rich flavors, and restaurant-quality elegance right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring even coating.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: first with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, second with beaten eggs, third with mixed Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, ensuring pan is hot before adding chicken.
- Cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, using meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove chicken and let rest on wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- In same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add fresh lemon juice to butter-garlic mixture, scraping any browned bits from pan, creating a light sauce.
- Pour lemon-garlic butter sauce over chicken breasts just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adherence.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor in your crust.
- Maintain consistent medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juiciness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to your breadcrumb mixture.
- If chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to maintain crisp coating.
- Serve immediately after adding the lemon-garlic butter sauce to preserve the chicken's crispy texture.
- Save any leftover sauce to drizzle over side dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 635kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 321mg
