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Weeknight • Chicken

Crispy Parmesan-Lemon Chicken Bakes

These easy chicken bakes feature crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken with a bright lemon zing, perfect for a family meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Crispy Parmesan-Lemon Chicken Bakes

Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting (and easy!) with these Crispy Parmesan-Lemon Chicken Bakes. We’re talking golden-brown chicken with a satisfying crunch, infused with zesty lemon and salty Parmesan. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is truly simple enough for any night of the week. Prepare for rave reviews!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, half thinly sliced, half for juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  3. Step 3

    In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  4. Step 4

    Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil, then dredge thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. About halfway through, you can place a few lemon slices on top of each chicken breast if desired.

  6. Step 6

    Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Tips

  • Ensure chicken is patted very dry before coating; this helps the crust stick and get extra crispy.
  • Don't skimp on the lemon juice at the end; it adds a burst of freshness that brightens the whole dish.

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