This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is an easy dinner recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken is coated in a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese and seasonings and then topped with a zesty, garlic lemon sauce!

You’ll also adore this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, Creamy Ranch Chicken, and Garlic Chicken Piccata!

chicken in a white pan with a wooden spoon lifting a piece of chicken

This creamy chicken recipe is a new favorite around here.

With just a handful of ingredients, this creamy lemon parmesan chicken comes together in minutes and has a burst of flavor in every bite. From the cheesy, golden crust to the savory sauce, you’ll be making this over and over again.

And this parmesan lemon chicken features no cream, just a cheesy, garlicky lemon sauce that’s irresistible.

The crispy layer of Parmesan cheese coating the chicken pairs beautifully with the bright zing of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and more cheese.

And just like this one pan lemon chicken gnocchi recipe and tuscan chicken mac and cheese, this recipe easy to make. Just season the chicken with the parmesan mixture, pan-fry, and whip up the parmesan lemon sauce.

Whether you pair it with some roasted veggies or toss it over pasta, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your friends.

chicken on a white plate with rice and a fork

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to make: from start to finish, you’ll have this dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknight or weekends when you don’t have a lot of time to spare.
  • Simple ingredients: you might just have all of the ingredients to make this Parmesan chicken recipe.
  • Versatile: you can pair with this chicken with rice, veggies, or toss with pasta to make a hearty meal. 
ingredients for chicken in white bowls

Ingredients Needed:

For the chicken:

  • All-purpose flour: to help create the crispy coating.
  • Parmesan cheese: this works with the flour to give it that cheesy, crispy crust.
  • Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cut in half to form four pieces.
  • Olive oil and butter: to cook the chicken.

For the lemon Parmesan sauce:

  • Minced garlic: this adds depth and an aromatic goodness, giving this dish a deeper garlic flavor.
  • Chicken broth: the base of the sauce.
  • Lemon juice: fresh lemon juice brings a bright and tangy flavor to the chicken.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: this adds a nutty, salty kick to the cream sauce. 

How to Make:

  • Dredge: in a shallow bowl or dish, dredge the chicken in the flour and cheese mixture until fully coated.
  • Cook: add chicken to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a separate plate.
chicken dredged in flour mixture in a white dish
dredged chicken in a skillet with olive oil
chicken seared and golden brown in a white skillet
  • Make the creamy sauce: in the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice and bring mixture to a boil. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and add the chicken back to the skillet with the sauce until warmed through. 
sauce ingredients in a white skillet
cooked chicken with the sauce in a white skillet

How to Store:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

  • To freeze: wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and place the sauce in a separate container. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
  • To reheat: warm in the microwave or in the oven at 375℉ until just heated through.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or tenders works well in this recipe. You will most likely need to adjust the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

chicken on a white plate with rice and a spoon shown drizzling sauce over chicken

What to Serve with Lemon Parmesan Chicken:

This easy chicken dish can be served with:

Chicken Variations:

  • Herb-Crusted: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
  • Lemon Garlic Butter: Instead of just lemon juice, make a lemon garlic butter sauce to drizzle over the chicken after cooking for an added richness. You could also add some lemon zest or lemon slices on top of the chicken just before serving.
  • Baked Parmesan Lemon Chicken: Instead of pan-frying, coat the chicken and bake it in the oven for a healthier twist, achieving a crispy texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a bit of heat and a spicy twist.
  • Stuffed Chicken: Stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan before cooking for a delicious surprise inside.
  • Double the sauce: You may want to make extra sauce it so that you have more to spoon over pasta or potatoes.
chicken on a white plate with rice and a lemon slice

Looking for More Easy Chicken Dinners? I’ve Got You Covered!

chicken in a white pan with a wooden spoon lifting a piece of chicken

Parmesan Lemon Chicken

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Parmesan Lemon Chicken is an easy dinner recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken is coated in a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese and seasonings and then topped with a zesty, garlic lemon sauce!
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Ingredients
 

Chicken:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut in half lengthwise to form four pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Parmesan Lemon Sauce:

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, (or juice from 2 large lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

Instructions
 

For the Chicken:

  • In a shallow bowl or dish, add flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece on both sides with flour mixture and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the chicken and cook on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side (chicken should reach an internal temperate of 165℉). Remove chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

For the Parmesan Lemon Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and lemon juice and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until combined and melted.
  • Add chicken back to skillet and spoon sauce over chicken. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until chicken is warmed through. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftover chicken will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • See my tips and tricks for making this Parmesan Lemon Chicken above the recipe box.
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.