Description
Crispy Baked Lemon Chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a zesty lemon and cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection. This healthy and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner with a refreshing citrus twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 to 6 small chicken breasts
Coating Mixture
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- 2 Tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large cookie sheet pan with foil and spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later use.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a large freezer bag, combine the crushed corn flakes, lemon-pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and shake gently to mix the dry ingredients well.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted margarine (or butter) and fresh lemon juice until combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Working with two chicken breasts at a time, dip each piece into the lemon butter mixture ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, place the coated chicken pieces into the freezer bag containing the cornflake mixture. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the chicken is completely coated with the crumbs.
- Arrange and Add Zest: Place the coated chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the tops generously with fresh lemon zest for bright, fresh flavor.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the lemon butter mixture before adding to the crumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute crushed corn flakes with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
