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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 38 reviews

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Lemon Pasta is a delightful meal featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts coated in a crunchy Parmesan and panko crust, baked to golden perfection, and served atop a luscious, creamy lemon-infused pasta sauce. The dish is accented with fresh basil and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, making it a perfect dinner option that combines texture and bright, savory flavors in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • Avocado oil spray

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces pasta (such as mafalda)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken base
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, sliced into fine ribbons

For Serving

  • An easy green salad
  • Lemon wedge (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces about 3-4 slices per breast to ensure even, quick cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels if needed.
  2. Prep the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Place mayonnaise in a separate bowl. Brush each thin chicken piece with a thin layer of mayo, then spoon the panko and Parmesan mixture over each piece, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Flip the chicken pieces and repeat on the other side. Finally, spray the top side lightly with avocado oil spray for extra crispiness. Some crumbs may fall onto the baking sheet—that’s normal.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes until golden. Then, turn on the broiler. Broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, then carefully flip each piece using tongs and broil the other side to achieve a deeply golden, crispy crust. Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Make the Lemon Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another 2-3 minutes; the mixture will bubble and become slightly foamy.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Gradually whisk in heavy cream, water, and Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Let it cool slightly.
  7. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. Add the drained pasta to the lemon cream sauce and toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Serve: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into strips. Plate the creamy lemon pasta in shallow bowls, top with chicken slices, and sprinkle with fresh basil ribbons. Optionally, sprinkle any leftover crispy crumbs from the baking sheet over the top and serve with a lemon wedge and green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Thinly slicing the chicken ensures faster, even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Using mayo helps the panko mixture adhere better and adds moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out.
  • Broiling at the end creates a golden, crunchy crust without overcooking the chicken.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that complements the lemon cream sauce beautifully.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings and still remain easy to prepare within the same timeframe.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/crispy-parmesan-chicken-with-creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe/