Description

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, crispy, and juicy dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon, the bold aroma of garlic, and the rich, savory taste of Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this easy yet elegant meal is ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad for a satisfying and wholesome dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Coating:

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Make the Coating: In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest.
Coat the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then coat evenly with the Parmesan mixture, pressing it gently to adhere.
Bake: Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add lemon juice and parsley, then remove from heat.
Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Variations: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
Allergy Notes: Contains dairy (Parmesan, butter) and gluten (breadcrumbs). Use dairy-free Parmesan and gluten-free breadcrumbs for modifications.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: ~420 kcal
Sugar: ~1g
Sodium: ~620mg
Fat: ~22g
Saturated Fat: ~9g
Unsaturated Fat: ~11g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Fiber: ~1g
Protein: ~45g
Cholesterol: ~130mg

Keywords: lemon garlic Parmesan chicken, baked chicken, crispy Parmesan chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven-baked chicken