Why Make This Recipe

Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings delicious flavors together without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible for everyone. Plus, who can resist the zesty kick of lemon paired with tender, juicy chicken?

How to Make Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, coat the chicken with Parmesan cheese on both sides.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine.
Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon chicken!

How to Serve Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken

This lemon chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The zesty flavor of the chicken can brighten up any meal, making it a great choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a family dinner.

How to Store Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to protect it from freezer burn.

Tips to Make Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken

Make sure to season the chicken well for great flavor.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for a minute or two after baking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. If you like a bit of spice, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the skillet for a little heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They may require a bit longer cooking time due to being thicker.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and bake when you are ready to serve.

Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken

Print Recipe

A quick and easy lemon chicken dish that brings delicious flavors together without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, coat the chicken with Parmesan cheese on both sides.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine.
Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for a minute or two after baking. Adjust lemon juice based on taste preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: lemon chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, chicken recipe