Tender and flavorful, this Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zestiness of lemon with the richness of Parmesan cheese. With perfectly cooked chicken breasts topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce and garnished with fresh lemon slices, this dish is both elegant and comforting. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What Makes This Parmesan Lemon Chicken Special
The combination of tangy lemon and creamy Parmesan creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates this chicken dish. The chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection and cooked until tender, while the Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The fresh lemon slices not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant and appetizing touch to the presentation.
A Delightful Dining Experience
Imagine this: It’s dinner time, and you’ve just prepared a beautiful plate of Parmesan Lemon Chicken. The creamy sauce glistens on top of the golden-brown chicken breasts, and the aroma of lemon and Parmesan fills the air. As you take a bite, the tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty lemon create a symphony of flavors that make each mouthful pure bliss. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Parmesan Lemon Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Serve it with your favorite vegetables, a side of pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Cutlets:
Chicken Cutlets: Tender, lean pieces that serve as the foundation, perfectly absorbing the zesty and creamy sauce.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance natural flavors and balance the richness of the dish.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly dusts the chicken, helping to create a delicate, crispy exterior.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (divided): Imparts a nutty, savory depth, with some used to coat the chicken for a flavorful crust.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and aids in browning the cutlets for a golden finish.
Vegetable Oil: Works with butter for searing, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly with a crisp exterior.
Garlic (minced): Provides a robust, aromatic punch that infuses the sauce with depth.
Chicken Stock: Forms the savory base of the sauce, melding all flavors together.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity to cut through the richness and elevate the overall flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety, smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Chopped Fresh Parsley Leaves: Adds a burst of herbal freshness and color to finish the dish.
For the Parmesan Mixture:
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Combines with flour to form a crisp, flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with Parmesan to create a coating that crisps up perfectly when cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Parmesan Lemon Chicken with:
- A side of roasted vegetables or steamed greens for a healthy, balanced meal.
- A serving of creamy mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for Cooking Perfection
- Season the chicken well: A good seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Cook the chicken evenly: Use a skillet or oven to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Make the sauce smooth: Whisk the Parmesan sauce until it’s smooth and creamy for the best texture.
- Add lemon at the right time: Fresh lemon slices add a burst of flavor; add them just before serving for the best impact.
- Garnish for presentation: A garnish of fresh herbs or extra lemon slices makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
A Memorable Meal Worth Sharing
This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is a testament to the beauty of simple yet flavorful cooking. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty lemon accents, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a cherished favorite for any occasion.
Parmesan Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken cutlets
- 1 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
for the parmesan mixture
- 5 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
- Working one at a time, coat each chicken piece in the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even, flavorful crust.
- Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
For the Parmesan Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese and flour, mixing well to create the perfect crispy coating.
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