Parmesan Crusted Chicken Lemon

Section: Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Families

This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a parmesan and herb mixture, pan-seared to a golden crisp. A velvety lemon cream sauce made with garlic and fresh lemon juice adds a bright, creamy touch. Naturally low in carbs, it pairs well with vegetables or salads for an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Sat, 27 Sep 2025 14:53:06 GMT
A plate of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon. Bookmark
A plate of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon. | imaninthekitchen.com

This parmesan crusted chicken delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Tender thin chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful parmesan and herb mixture, then panseared to a golden crisp. The rich lemon cream sauce with fresh garlic and lemon juice creates a perfect balance between tangy brightness and velvety decadence. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special dinners. Naturally low in carbs, this dish pairs beautifully with your favorite vegetable or salad to round out a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

I remember making this recipe the first time while aiming to impress my inlaws. To my surprise, everyone went back for seconds and asked me for the recipe. Now it has become a monthly favorite in our household.

Ingredients

  • Thin chicken breast slices: Cook quickly and allow for an even, crispy crust
  • Finely grated parmesan cheese: For fresh, nutty flavor and ideal melting texture. Choose fresh parmesan for best results.
  • Dried Italian seasoning: For a harmonious blend of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram, adding herby depth
  • Egg: Serves as a binder to help the cheese and herbs adhere to the chicken properly
  • Heavy cream: Forms the luscious base of the lemon cream sauce, adding richness and body
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances its richness with fresh citrus notes
  • Garlic: Adds a savory kick that complements the chicken and the sauce beautifully
  • Lemon pepper seasoning: Lifts the dish with mild spice and citrus undertones
  • Olive oil: Ensures a perfectly golden and crispy crust when searing the chicken
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness on the finished plate

Instructions

Prepare the Coating:
Beat an egg in a shallow bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl combine grated parmesan cheese with dried Italian seasoning thoroughly. These will form the crispy herb crust for your chicken.
Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan combine heavy cream, garlic, fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning. Heat over medium until it just reaches a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Once small bubbles begin to form stir in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. This slow gentle simmering prevents curdling and creates a silky finish.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each thin chicken breast slice in the egg wash coating completely. Immediately press into the parmesan herb mixture making sure all sides are evenly covered. This helps build a flavorful crust that crisps beautifully in the pan.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil without crowding the pan to ensure crispiness. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Flip each piece and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken around excessively which could peel off the crust.
Add the Finishing Touches:
Spoon the warm lemon cream sauce generously over the chicken just before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and fresh herbal aroma.
A plate of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon sauce.
A plate of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon sauce. | imaninthekitchen.com

I love how the lemon and parmesan flavors meld perfectly in this dish. One memorable dinner had my sister saying it tasted like something from a fancy bistro. Since then, it has become our goto recipe for family celebrations because it feels special but is so easy to pull off.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover chicken and sauce stored separately to maintain the crust’s crispiness. You can refrigerate for up to five days. To reheat, use a skillet, air fryer or oven broiler for best texture rather than the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to skip the egg use mayonnaise as a binder for the crust. Half and half can replace heavy cream though you might want to add extra parmesan to thicken the sauce. Thin pork chops are a great alternative protein in place of chicken for more variety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this parmesan crusted chicken alongside sautéed green beans or creamy cauliflower mash for a low carb option. Zucchini noodles or a crisp green salad work wonderfully to keep the meal light and fresh.

A pan of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon wedges on top.
A pan of Parmesan crusted chicken with lemon wedges on top. | imaninthekitchen.com

Serve immediately for the best texture and garnish with extra lemon and parsley. Store leftovers separately to keep the crust crisp.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used but fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the sauce.

→ What can substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Half and half works as a substitute, though the sauce may be thinner. Adding extra parmesan can help thicken it.

→ How can I keep the coating crispy when cooking?

Cook over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan and flip the chicken only once to maintain a crispy crust.

→ Is it possible to prep the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate or freeze it before cooking. Store the sauce separately to keep textures ideal.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the parmesan and seasoning are gluten-free, this dish contains no flour or breadcrumbs and is naturally gluten-free.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Lemon

Crispy parmesan-crusted chicken paired with a smooth lemon cream sauce for a flavorful main dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Origin: Italian-inspired

Portions: 4 Serves (4 chicken cutlets)

Diet Preferences: Low-Carbohydrate, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 4 thin boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (approximately 4 ounces each)

→ Coating

02 1 large egg, beaten
03 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
05 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

→ Sauce

06 3/4 cup heavy cream
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finishing

10 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In one shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning.

Step 02

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until small bubbles form. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 03

Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg, then press both sides into the Parmesan herb mixture to coat thoroughly.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip each piece carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Avoid moving the chicken excessively to maintain the crust.

Step 05

Place the cooked chicken on plates, spoon warm lemon cream sauce over each piece, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Additional Notes

  1. Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and melting. Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling and ensure a silky texture.
  2. Pound chicken cutlets evenly to promote uniform cooking and crust coverage.
  3. Store chicken and sauce separately to maintain crust texture when reheating.

Must-Have Tools

  • Skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Two shallow bowls

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and egg

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 420.5
  • Fats: 29.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
  • Proteins: 39.4 g