Parmesan crusted chicken breasts with a fresh herb sauce make a simple, flavorful dinner that feels special without taking much time. The crisp parmesan breadcrumb coating helps the chicken stay tender, while a bright lemon butter sauce with fresh chives, parsley, and oregano adds a fragrant finish. It is an easy weeknight chicken recipe with plenty of flavor and a fresh, homemade feel.
This parmesan crusted chicken is delicious with broccolini, mushrooms, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or any simple side you enjoy. The sauce is light but rich enough to bring the whole plate together.
Fresh herbs can completely change a dish, and this recipe is a perfect example. You do not need a long list of ingredients to make a meal taste vibrant and satisfying. A little butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a handful of chopped herbs create a quick pan sauce that is both fresh and comforting.
The parmesan in the breading is also important. It adds savory flavor, helps create a golden crust, and gives the chicken breasts a more satisfying texture. When paired with Italian breadcrumbs, the coating becomes crisp on the outside while the chicken stays juicy inside.
For best results, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise before cooking. Whole chicken breasts can be thick, which often makes them cook unevenly. By slicing them into thinner pieces, they cook faster and more evenly, reducing the chance of dry or rubbery chicken. This method is quicker than pounding and still gives you tender pieces that are ideal for pan frying.
The herb sauce is made in the same skillet after the chicken is cooked, so it picks up some of the flavor left behind in the pan. Dijon mustard gives the sauce a subtle tang, lemon juice adds brightness, and butter makes it smooth. The fresh herbs should be added near the end so their flavor stays lively.
This parmesan crusted chicken breast recipe is easy enough for a busy evening but elegant enough for a relaxed dinner at home. Serve it right away with the sauce spooned over the top so the crust stays crisp and the chicken remains warm and tender.
If you enjoy chicken dinners with a crispy coating and a quick skillet sauce, these parmesan crusted chicken breasts with fresh herb sauce are a great recipe to keep in your regular rotation.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with a Fresh Herb Sauce
Natasha Bull
15 mins
15 mins
30 mins
4
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- 2 eggs
- Flour for dredging
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
Instructions
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Set out three shallow bowls. Whisk the eggs in the first bowl, place the flour in the second, and combine the Italian breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan in the third.
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Warm the olive oil and half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it into the egg, then press it into the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Add the breaded chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
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While the chicken cooks, chop the chives, parsley, and oregano.
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Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside while you make the sauce.
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Add the Dijon mustard, remaining butter, lemon juice, water, and chopped herbs to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
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Return the chicken to the pan and cook for a few more minutes, just until the sauce slightly thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid overcooking so the chicken stays tender.
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Serve immediately with the fresh herb sauce spooned over the parmesan crusted chicken.