Shortly after discovering this incredible 30-Minute Lemon Chicken recipe, I found myself preparing it almost weekly. It’s not just another chicken dish; it’s a simple yet exquisite meal that brightens up the table without taking much of your time. This dish, with its tangy lemon flavor and crispy Parmesan crust, becomes the star of any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or having friends over, this recipe is certain to impress.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the most appealing aspects of this 30-Minute Lemon Chicken is its simplicity. In under half an hour, you can serve a gourmet meal that feels special yet requires minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but delicious. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes use of common ingredients likely already in your pantry.
“I made this for my family last night, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! The lemony sauce paired with the cheesy chicken is just divine! A new family favorite!” – Sarah J.
Preparing 30-Minute Lemon Chicken
This dish starts with seasoning your chicken breasts and ends with a tantalizing garlicky lemon sauce that seriously elevates the flavor. The cooking process involves seven straightforward steps, making it easy to follow for even the busiest home cook. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
What you’ll need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Feel free to use gluten-free flour or swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast if you’re watching your diet.
Step-by-step instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each breast in flour, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Next, coat the chicken in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cooking it until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
This 30-Minute Lemon Chicken shines when served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. You might also consider pairing it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a brighter touch, a side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can further complement the dish.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain food safety.
Pro chef tips
For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon juice for around 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging; this ensures a crispier crust.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to innovate! You could substitute the chicken with thinly sliced eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian version or use a mix of citrus juices like orange or lime for the sauce. Experimenting with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary could also take the flavor profile to a new level.
Common questions
How long does it take to make this dish?
This 30-Minute Lemon Chicken takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for last-minute dinners.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, just ensure that the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad all make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
This quick and delightful 30-Minute Lemon Chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but packed with flavor that will surely keep you coming back for more. Try it out—your taste buds will thank you!
Print30-Minute Lemon Chicken
A simple yet exquisite lemon chicken dish with a crispy Parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each breast in flour, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Next, coat the chicken in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cooking it until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes. You can also substitute chicken with eggplant for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
