Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Herb Butter
For the Parmesan Crust:
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
Olive oil for pan-frying
For the Lemon-Herb Butter:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
For the Parmesan Crust:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Create Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to adhere.
5. Pan-Fry Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
6. Finish in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
For the Lemon-Herb Butter:
1. Prepare Herb Butter:
In a bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, serve it with a dollop of lemon-herb butter on top.
Presentation Tips:
Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or your favorite vegetable for a vibrant and nutritious touch.
Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a burst of color and flavor.