Description
Parmesan lemon chicken delivers a zesty dinner that comes together faster than you can order takeout. Crispy chicken breasts coated in tangy Parmesan and bright lemon create a simple weeknight meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Oils:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Crank your oven to a sizzling 400°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for maximum chicken perfection.
- Take each chicken breast and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels, removing all excess moisture.
- Massage 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil across the entire surface of the 4 chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously season all sides with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, pressing the spices gently into the meat.
- Combine 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 4 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl, stirring until the ingredients create a cohesive, fragrant mixture.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
- Distribute the Parmesan-garlic mixture evenly across the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely with the zesty topping.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust to develop.
- Verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures a crispy exterior and helps the seasoning stick better.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- For a low-carb or keto version, swap out Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature before baking for more even cooking and juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg