Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Lemon Pasta
4.6 from 13 reviews. Total Time: 40 minutes. Yield: 4 servings. Author: Lindsay from Pinch of Yum.
Description
Crispy golden parmesan chicken atop creamy, luscious, lemony pasta! This combo is everything!
Every time we get bored with dinner, we turn to crispy chicken. This version might be the most delicious ever – the flavor is locked in thanks to Parmesan and (don’t be mad) mayo. The mayo coating is easiest to brush on, then spoon the crumbles on top directly on the sheet pan. Low lift, high reward! The combination of golden crispy chicken with creamy lemon pasta, fresh basil, and lemon zest is glorious. Serve with green beans or salad – 10/10! All family members devoured it; even the pickiest five-year-old dipped her chicken in soy sauce. Kids!
Ingredients
Crispy Parmesan 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
Creamy Lemon Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (mafalda recommended, about half a box)
- 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 (half a lemon)
For Garnish
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, cut into fine ribbons
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Cut each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces (3-4 thin pieces per breast). Pat dry if moist.
- Prep Topping: Mix Parmesan, panko, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Place mayo in a bowl. Brush each chicken piece with a thin layer of mayo. Spoon panko mixture evenly over each piece, press firmly to adhere. Flip and repeat on other side. Spray top with avocado oil spray. (Some crumbles will remain on the sheet.)
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden. Turn on broiler; broil for 1-2 minutes. Flip pieces with tongs and broil the back side until golden and crispy all around, internal temp 165°F.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic; sauté 2-3 minutes. Add flour; sauté another 2-3 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
- Finish Sauce: Add cream, water, and Better than Bouillon. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened and clings to spoon. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then stir in lemon zest and juice.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water. Add pasta to sauce and toss, adding reserved water as needed.
- Serve: Slice chicken into strips. Scoop saucy pasta into shallow bowls, top with chicken, basil ribbons, and extra crumbles from the sheet pan. Serve with lemon wedge. OOOOH BABY!
Tips & Comments
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Category: Dinner | Method: Boiling, Frying | Cuisine: Italian
Substitutions noted by readers: Heavy cream can be substituted with evaporated milk, cashew cream, or unsweetened soy milk (add cornstarch to thicken). For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Some readers used reduced fat milk for a lighter sauce. For air fryer, results may vary; some found it didn’t get crispy enough. To prevent burning, watch broiler closely. To keep underside crispy, ensure chicken is patted very dry and broil both sides thoroughly. If crumbs stick to parchment, try flipping carefully or using a silicone mat.
Reader Reviews: Many families loved it – “5 stars all the way,” “huge hit,” “divine.” One reader noted the chicken didn’t get crispy, but pasta was good. Another struggled with sauce thickening and added cornstarch. Comments from Donna, Jill Curry, Gretchen Garnett, Rebecca, Cheryl, Linda, Liza M, Sarah, Joaney, Allison Nelson, Yolanda Chang, Becca, Cara, Wensy, Terry G, Liz, Lisa, Haley, Alicia, Sarah, Andi Guy, Jill, Karen, Theresa Jensen, Sarah, Anne, Annie Charters, Dee.
More Creamy Pastas To Love – Check Pinch of Yum for similar recipes.