Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Parmesan

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Parmesan. This dish combines the rich flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan with a refreshing citrusy kick and the aromatic touch of fresh basil.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Parmesan

The star of the show is our boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which provide a tender and juicy base. The all-purpose flour creates a light coating that helps the egg adhere. Eggs act as the glue that holds the breadcrumbs together. The panko breadcrumbs give a delightfully crispy texture, while the grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor.

Lemon zest introduces a fresh, zesty note that brightens the dish, and fresh basil leaves bring an aromatic sweetness. The marinara sauce provides a rich, tangy base that complements the chicken perfectly. Finally, shredded mozzarella cheese melts into gooey goodness, creating that irresistible cheesy topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pounding the chicken thinly ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
  • For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before coating the chicken.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated can be dry and less flavorful.
  • If you don't have a skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before adding toppings and baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the zesty notes. Garlic bread is also a great addition for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed in a little olive oil and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as thighs may take longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but use sparingly, as it is more potent.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Parmesan Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready for the grand finale. Now, take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Give them a gentle pounding until they're about 1/2 inch thick. This even thickness helps them cook uniformly.

Grab three shallow dishes. In the first, mix together flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second, beat your eggs until smooth. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-layer ensures maximum flavor and crunch.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the skillet from heat and top each piece with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, lemon zest, and basil.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for special dinners.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Oven-baked for a healthier take on a classic fried dish.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon of lemon zest
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cups of marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In another dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
5. In a third dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
9. Remove skillet from heat and top each chicken breast with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, lemon zest, and basil.
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Serve hot garnished with extra basil if desired.

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