The first time I made panko chicken with lemon cream sauce, I was amazed by how elegant yet easy the dish turned out. The crispy golden crust on the chicken mixed with the creamy, tangy sauce made me feel like I was serving something straight off a restaurant menu. It’s become one of those recipes I keep going back to, something I love sharing with family or impressing guests with.

The best part? It doesn’t take much time or require fancy ingredients. With a handful of pantry staples and a little zest of creativity, you’ll have the perfect balance of texture and flavor on your plate. Trust me, the buttery garlic notes in the sauce paired with the lemony crunch of the chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food with a touch of sophistication!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These crispy chicken cutlets with velvety lemon sauce are total crowd-pleasers. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Crunchy and Juicy Perfection

The crispy panko crust locks in the juiciness of the chicken, giving you the perfect bite every time. It’s golden on the outside and tender on the inside. A quick toast of the breadcrumbs before coating adds even more crunch.

Simple Yet Elegant

This recipe feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. With minimal effort, you’ll end up with a restaurant-quality dish you can be proud of. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or pasta for a complete meal.

Bursting with Flavor

The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and parmesan in the crust and sauce creates an explosion of flavors that’s citrusy, savory, and downright addictive. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat for extra depth.

Versatile to Customize

Whether you prefer swapping chicken for fish or adjusting the sauce to be dairy-free, this recipe is easy to customize. It’s flexible to different dietary choices while staying delicious. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor.

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together in no time! Here’s the quick breakdown:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

You’ll need a few simple ingredients to pull this flavorful dish together:

2 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 large egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine (or a substitute like chicken stock)

Variations

Make this recipe your own with these easy swaps or additions.

Ingredient Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
Substitute white wine with chicken broth or even coconut milk for a richer sauce.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the cream sauce for additional flavor.

Equipment Needed

Nonstick skillet: For a perfectly golden crust.
Mixing bowls: To set up your breading station.
Tongs: For flipping chicken without losing the breading.
Saucepan: To prepare the lemon cream sauce.

How to Make Panko Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce?

Bring restaurant flavors to your dinner table by following these simple steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken🐓

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Coat each piece in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Then dip it into beaten egg to create a sticky layer, and finally press it into a mixture of panko, lemon zest, and parmesan for that flavorful crust.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The butter gives a rich flavor, while the oil prevents the butter from burning. 🍳✨

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce🍋

Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour as a thickener, whisking continuously to avoid clumps. Slowly pour in white wine (or substitute) and heavy cream, stirring as the sauce thickens. Add lemon zest and juice at the end for that bright, citrusy kick. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! 🧄🍋

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Place the crispy chicken on a serving plate, drizzle it generously with the lemon cream sauce, and garnish with extra lemon zest or parsley. Serve hot, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. 🍽️

Tips for Making the Recipe

Elevate this dish with these expert tips:

Pound Your Chicken Evenly: Flattening the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Plus, it helps the breading stick better.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To keep the crust golden and crispy, fry the chicken in batches. Crowding the pan can cause the breading to steam instead of crisp up.

Add Lemon to Taste: Lemon flavor can vary, so start with less juice in the sauce and add more gradually until it reaches your preferred level of tanginess.

How to Serve Panko Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce?

For an unforgettable meal, pair this panko chicken with sides that complement its flavor profile. Creamy mashed potatoes or lemon butter asparagus are great choices. You could also serve it with a fresh green salad to keep things light.

For presentation, slice the chicken diagonally and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with a lemon wedge or parsley for a vibrant pop of color. It’s all about creating a plate that looks as good as it tastes!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this recipe:

Calories: 771
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 50g

Make Ahead and Storage

Looking to make life easier? Here’s how you can prep this dish ahead of time.

Make Ahead

You can bread the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to cook. The lemon cream sauce can also be made ahead, but add the lemon juice right before serving to keep it fresh.

Storage

Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F to maintain its crispiness, and gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan. For best quality, avoid freezing the sauce as it may separate.

This panko chicken with lemon cream sauce recipe combines simplicity with sophistication, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish promises to deliver bold flavors and comforting textures every time. 🍋✨ Enjoy!