Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Lemon Parmesan Chicken offers a flavorful blend of crispy breaded coating, zesty lemon, and savory Parmesan, making it perfect for a quick, family-friendly dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes or chopped fresh parsley in a bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast half into the crumb mixture, coating both sides.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a shallow baking dish.
- Melt margarine in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in lemon juice into the melted margarine.
- Drizzle the lemon-margarine mixture over the coated chicken breasts.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, consider using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. Fresh parsley enhances the flavor, but if unavailable, dried parsley can work in a pinch. If you like a zestier kick, add lemon zest to the crumb mixture. Ensure chicken is evenly coated for optimal flavor and moisture during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lemon Parmesan Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Red And White Layered Salad, adding a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or alongside pasta for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, which helps maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Parmesan Chicken contains roughly 676 calories, with 15g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 691mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on size.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What can I serve with Lemon Parmesan Chicken?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad. You could also serve it with a vegetable medley for a nutritious balance, or alongside Chicken Polo Credo for an exciting meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).