Thank you, truly, for stopping by today! If you’re here, you’re probably craving something comforting, a little zesty, and oh-so-crispy. And wow, do I have the perfect recipe for you! This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Crust is juicy, tender, and full of flavor—thanks to a citrusy garlic marinade and that golden, cheesy crust that dreams are made of.
Want this recipe in your inbox to save for later? Subscribe below and I’ll send it straight to you!
A Flavor-Packed Winner
This chicken is anything but boring!! It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken:
The bold, fresh flavor of lemon and garlic infuses every bite.
The crispy Parmesan crust gives it the ultimate savory crunch.
It’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests!
Perfect for meal prep—it reheats like a dream!
What Does It Taste Like?
Each bite is juicy and savory with that unmistakable zing of lemon, mellowed by aromatic garlic and crowned with the salty magic of crispy Parmesan. It’s comfort food, brightened up and taken to the next level.
Why This Recipe Works
Protein-rich and satisfying
Low carb without skimping on flavor
Quick & easy with only one pan needed
Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional for garnish: chopped parsley, lemon slices
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Microplane or zester
Tongs or spatula
Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Additions
Chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you want extra tang
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Stir chopped spinach or kale into the garlic mix for extra greens
Step-by-Step Instructions For Lemon Garlic Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Flatten the chicken breasts slightly to even thickness using a mallet.
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Rub this mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Sprinkle Parmesan generously over each piece.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired.
What to Serve With This Lemon Garlic Chicken
A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Creamy mashed cauliflower or classic mashed potatoes
A light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs
Tips for the Best Chicken
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it really lifts the flavor.
Searing first locks in juices and makes that cheesy crust extra crispy.
Resting the chicken after baking keeps it juicy and tender.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated will melt and crust better.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze after baking and cooling completely. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Is this gluten-free?
It is! Just double-check your cheese and seasoning mixes to ensure no hidden gluten.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan. This chicken is bright, rich, and downright crave-worthy. Whether it’s your first time trying it or your fifth, this dish never disappoints. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it—because the smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
Craving more ways to use lemon or Parmesan? Check out my other recipes like Lemon Herb Couscous or Parmesan Crusted Eggplant.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you try this recipe, I’d LOVE to hear what you think. Leave a review below, or tag your beautiful photos on Pinterest—I adore seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 310
Protein: 38g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Crust
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Microplane or lemon zester
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten chicken breasts slightly to even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired.
