Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken: The Ultimate Chicken Recipe
Introduction to Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken
If you’re looking for a delightful and mouth-watering dish that combines the crunchiness of a crispy coating with the zesty brightness of lemon, then Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite among families and friends. With its golden crust and savory lemon butter sauce, this chicken dish will surely impress everyone at your dinner table.
A Personal Story Behind My Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over delicious meals. One of the highlights was my grandmother’s lemon chicken, which she would make with love every Sunday. Inspired by her recipe, I created my version of Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken that brings together the warmth of family traditions and the excitement of new flavors. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me!
What Makes This Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of crispy Parmesan coating and the rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. The use of fresh ingredients, such as garlic and Italian seasoning, enhances the flavor profile, while the quick cooking time makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with various sides, from a simple salad to creamy mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest!
The Full Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, sliced for garnish (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with flour.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then coat it evenly with the Parmesan mixture. Shake off any excess to prevent clumping.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy, golden, and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165˚F). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until heated through.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce generously over the cooked chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley if desired.
- Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken hot, drizzled with the lemon butter sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken
This Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a touch of heat! You can also swap out the chicken for pork or beef for a different flavor profile, though the cooking times may vary slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
Can I freeze this chicken? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with this chicken? This chicken pairs well with rice, pasta, or a variety of vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a creamy sauce or dip for added flavor!
Crispy Lemon-Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet For frying the chicken.
- Saucepan For making the lemon butter sauce.
- Mixing bowls For preparing the breading and egg mixture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast patted dry
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
- Whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with flour.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy, golden, and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165˚F).
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until heated.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley if desired.
- Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken hot, drizzled with the lemon butter sauce.