Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delightful and simple dish that combines zesty lemon with savory Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your taste buds. Mary Berg’s recipe brings together the tangy flavor of lemon with the rich, salty taste of Parmesan cheese. The chicken is tender and juicy, making it a hit for family meals or entertaining guests.
This dish requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a quick, satisfying, and nutritious option without compromising on taste.
Ingredients Needed
Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delightful recipe. To create this dish, you need specific ingredients. Let’s break them down into fresh ingredients and substitute options.
Fresh Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese provides a rich taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced finely.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Substitute Options
If you don’t have some ingredients, use these substitutes:
- Chicken Thighs: Instead of breasts, use boneless thighs.
- Bottled Lemon Juice: Use it if you lack fresh lemons.
- Parmesan Blend: Use a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch can replace fresh garlic.
- Vegetable Oil: Use it in place of olive oil.
- Dried Parsley: Use it if fresh parsley is unavailable.
Credit: cafedelites.com
Preparation Steps
Get ready to enjoy the delicious Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken! Follow these simple preparation steps to create a dish that everyone will love. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details!
Marinating The Chicken
Marinating the chicken is the first crucial step. This process infuses the chicken with flavor, making it juicy and tender. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the juice of two lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepping The Coating
While the chicken is marinating, you can start preparing the coating. This will give the chicken its crispy, flavorful crust. Here’s how to prep the coating:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup |
| Bread Crumbs | 1 cup |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure even distribution. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Dip each chicken breast into the coating mixture. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Instructions
Welcome to the Cooking Instructions for Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken. Follow these steps to prepare a delicious and easy meal. Enjoy the rich flavor of lemon and parmesan combined with tender chicken.
Pan-frying Tips
Pan-frying the chicken ensures a crisp, golden crust. Here are the steps:
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Coat with Parmesan: Press grated parmesan cheese onto both sides of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken in the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Oven-baking Method
Oven-baking is an easy and hands-free method. Follow these instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Coat with Parmesan: Press grated parmesan cheese onto each side of the chicken breasts.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Both methods deliver delicious results. Choose your favorite way to enjoy Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken!
Serving Suggestions
Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish. Knowing how to serve it can enhance your dining experience. This section will explore ideal side dishes and plating ideas.
Side Dishes
Pairing the right side dishes with Lemon Parmesan Chicken elevates the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, they complement the chicken’s zest.
- Steamed Asparagus: Adds a touch of greenery and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds color.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing refreshes the palate.
Plating Ideas
Presentation matters as much as taste. Here are some plating tips:
- Center the Chicken: Place the chicken at the center of the plate.
- Arrange Side Dishes: Position side dishes around the chicken.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top.
- Use a Light Drizzle: Drizzle extra lemon sauce for added flavor.
By following these suggestions, you can create a visually appealing and delicious meal. Enjoy your Lemon Parmesan Chicken with style and taste!
Nutritional Information
The Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish. This section breaks down its nutritional content. Learn how it can benefit your health.
Calorie Breakdown
Understanding the calorie content is essential. Here’s the calorie breakdown for one serving of Lemon Parmesan Chicken:
| Component | Calories |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 165 |
| Parmesan Cheese | 110 |
| Lemon Juice | 10 |
| Olive Oil | 119 |
| Garlic | 4 |
| Total | 408 |
One serving of this chicken dish totals 408 calories. It’s a balanced meal that fits into a healthy diet.
Health Benefits
The Lemon Parmesan Chicken offers various health benefits:
- High Protein: Chicken breast is rich in protein, which builds muscles.
- Vitamin C: Lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C. It boosts the immune system.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides healthy fats. These are good for heart health.
- Calcium: Parmesan cheese contains calcium, which strengthens bones.
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. Include it in your diet for a healthy lifestyle.
Credit: hungryhappens.net
Tips And Tricks
Mary Makes It Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delightful recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any meal. With these tips and tricks, you can make it even better. Check out the sections below for some great ideas.
Time-saving Hacks
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop the garlic and parsley beforehand. Store them in airtight containers.
- Use Pre-Grated Parmesan: Save time by using pre-grated cheese. It melts easily and tastes great.
- Quick Marinade: Marinate the chicken in a ziplock bag. This helps the flavors soak in faster.
- One-Pan Cooking: Cook everything in one pan. This reduces clean-up time.
Flavor Enhancements
- Extra Lemon Zest: Add more lemon zest for a zesty kick. It enhances the freshness.
- Garlic Butter: Use garlic butter instead of plain butter. This adds a rich, savory taste.
- Herb Mix: Sprinkle a mix of dried herbs. Try thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives a slight heat to the dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Time-Saving Option |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 | Use pre-cut chicken strips |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup | Use pre-grated cheese |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Use minced garlic from a jar |
| Lemon | 1 | Use bottled lemon juice |
Credit: cafedelites.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make Lemon Parmesan Chicken?
To make lemon parmesan chicken, marinate chicken breasts with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Coat them with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden brown.
What Sides Go Well With Lemon Parmesan Chicken?
Lemon parmesan chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. These sides complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They provide a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
How Long Should I Bake Lemon Parmesan Chicken?
Bake lemon parmesan chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Conclusion
Mary’s Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this recipe is a winner. Try it out and impress your family and friends with a flavorful, homemade meal.
Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!
