Name: Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 ½ pounds); 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend; 3 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ⅓ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; Fresh minced parsley; Lemon slices

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

I simply can’t get enough of this Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe—it’s become one of my all-time favorites for a reason. The chicken ends up perfectly crispy with that golden Parmesan crust, all bathed in a luscious, tangy lemon butter sauce that sings with garlicky goodness. Every bite is like a little celebration of texture and flavor that never fails to impress whether I’m cooking for family or friends. I love how straightforward it is to make, yet it tastes like something special from a high-end restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the dazzling combination of flavors and textures. The Parmesan crust adds a wonderful savoriness and crunch, while the lemon butter sauce provides that bright, zesty contrast, infusing the dish with a fresh and vibrant kick. The garlic subtly rounds everything out, making the whole experience rich without feeling heavy. When I serve this dish, everyone is immediately drawn in by the irresistible aroma, and it truly hits that perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing.

Besides the amazing taste, I love how easy it is to prepare this Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. It doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques, yet it delivers a wow factor every time. It cooks up in just about 30 minutes, which is perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something quick but still impressive. And honestly, it’s a fantastic choice for all kinds of occasions — from casual family meals to special gatherings or even holidays where you want something a bit elevated but fuss-free. I always find it brings a smile to the table and sparks compliments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up shows a golden brown fried chicken fillet on a white plate, topped with melted butter and small pieces of garlic and green herbs. A silver spoon holds more melted butter, dripping slowly onto the chicken. On the left side of the plate, bright green beans add a fresh color contrast. In the blurred background, another white plate with more chicken, a small white bowl with green herbs, and a small white dish with lemon slices are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple but thoughtfully selected to build layers of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role—from the parmesan cheese providing crunch and umami to the fresh lemon juice lending that irresistible zing that brightens the whole dish.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut and pounded thin ensures even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Eggs: These act as the perfect binder for the parmesan coating to stick beautifully to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives that signature crispy, cheesy crust with a nutty depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: Mixed with parmesan to create a light, crisp coating on the chicken.
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning: These spices add a subtle complexity and warmth under the cheesy crisp.
Olive oil: Perfect for frying and getting that gorgeous golden brown crust on the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Creates the luscious base of the garlic butter sauce with a creamy richness.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds body and depth to the sauce, rounding out all the flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings crisp acidity that brightens and balances the richness beautifully.
Fresh parsley and lemon slices: For a fresh garnish that adds color and a finishing touch of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces total. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re about half an inch thick for even cooking and tender bites.

Step 2: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together with salt and black pepper—this will help the coating stick to the chicken perfectly. In a second shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for that delicious crispy crust.

Step 3: Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan and flour mixture. Make sure both sides have an even layer so you get maximum crunch.

Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside while you prepare the sauce. Carefully wipe out the skillet or pour off excess oil, then add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 6: Whisk in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and reduces about a quarter.

Step 7: Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of the lemony garlic butter over the chicken so it’s generously coated.

Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for a lovely pop of color and extra lemon flavor before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe serves 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to get everything ready quickly without stress. The cook time is about 15 minutes, mostly for frying and simmering the sauce, so you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes total. There’s no resting time needed other than a few minutes to let the sauce thicken once assembled.

How to Serve This Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows two pieces of crispy golden-brown fried chicken placed on a white round plate. One piece is larger and positioned at the bottom right, while the other smaller piece is partially visible on the left. On top of the left piece, there is a thick slice of bright yellow lemon with green herb bits sprinkled over both the chicken and lemon. The fried chicken has a textured, crunchy appearance with small specks of black pepper and herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green herb pieces and lemon slices visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this chicken fresh and hot, straight from the skillet with plenty of that zesty lemon butter sauce spooned over the top. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up the sauce so well. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.

For a fun presentation, I often arrange the chicken on a large family-style platter with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley to brighten everything up visually. It’s perfect for sharing and feels festive enough for parties or special occasions. When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the lemony notes wonderfully, while a sparkling water with a lemon twist is delightful for a non-alcoholic option.

The dish is best enjoyed warm so you get that perfect contrast between the crispy crust and the silky sauce. If you have leftovers, they can be gently reheated, but fresh is definitely best for maximum texture and flavor impact.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to mix things up, you can swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite or add some finely chopped fresh herbs into the coating mix for a vibrant herbal twist. For a smoky touch, try smoked mozzarella in the crust or a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

For those following gluten-free diets, I’ve had great success substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. It still crisps up nicely and keeps the coating flavorful. To make this vegan-friendly, you can use plant-based butter and create a chickpea flour batter in place of the eggs and flour mix, and swap chicken with thick slices of cauliflower or tofu for a similar effect.

Cooking methods can be adapted too—I’ve sometimes baked the coated chicken pieces at a high temperature for a lighter version, though you lose a bit of the buttery crispness from the pan-fry. Grilling the chicken after coating (using a grill pan) adds an amazing charred flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce flavorful. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making this dish perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend separating the chicken from the sauce when possible. Wrap the chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container, and store the sauce in a separate container or jar. Properly frozen, each can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat so you don’t dry out the chicken or break the sauce emulsion. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy. Reheating slowly on the stovetop helps restore some crispness and keeps all those bright flavors balanced and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well for this recipe, but they do have a bit more fat and flavor. I recommend boneless, skinless thighs pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking. They might need a few extra minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on the internal temperature for safety.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken coating and batter ahead of time and keep the chicken refrigerated for up to a day before frying. I prefer cooking and assembling the dish fresh because that’s when the crust is at its crispiest and the sauce tastes its best.

What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?

If you’re out of chicken broth, no worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water for the sauce. Just keep in mind the broth adds some depth, so if you use water, consider adding a pinch of salt or a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prepping! Just pack the chicken and sauce separately to prevent sogginess, and reheat gently. Pair it with easy sides like rice, roasted veggies, or salad for balanced meals throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative that crisps well, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the sauce. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but you’ll still have a deliciously crispy, zesty chicken dish.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Crispy Parmesan Lemon Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without any fuss. The crispiness, the bright lemon butter sauce, and that incredible garlic depth just come together in a way that’s so satisfying. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for it to become one in yours too!