Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves; 8 Ritz Crackers, crushed into crumbs; ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup Chicken stock; 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; ⅔ cup Chive & Onion cream cheese spread

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that combines the ultimate crispiness with a rich, tangy sauce, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a buttery crust made from Parmesan and Ritz crackers, paired beautifully with a luscious lemon-chive sauce that adds brightness and depth. It’s a quick yet impressive dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but comes together in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two golden-brown fried patties lying flat inside a black cast iron skillet with a red outer edge and handle, placed on a white marbled surface. The patties have a crispy, uneven texture with areas of darker and lighter browning, showing a crunchy crust. The skillet takes up most of the frame, and the patties are positioned close to each other in the center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward, easily accessible ingredients. Each one has a specific role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—ensuring your dish shines both in taste and presentation.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and easy to cook evenly when pounded thin.
Ritz crackers: Crushed to form a golden, buttery crust that delivers unforgettable crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and helps the crust achieve a gorgeous color.
Olive oil: For a healthy, flavorful fat that crisps the crust without greasiness.
Chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce, giving a rich, savory flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with just the right amount of tang.
Chive & onion cream cheese spread: Brings creaminess and herbal notes that elevate the sauce to a new level.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This simple step is key to cooking the chicken evenly so every bite is juicy and tender. Lightly coat each piece in olive oil to help the crust stick and to ensure a beautiful golden finish.

Step 2: Create the Crust

On a shallow plate, combine crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create that crisp, buttery coating that’s oh so irresistible. Dip each chicken breast thoroughly, making sure every part is well coated for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breast halves for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees and the crust is perfectly crisp. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm and juicy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping the browned bits off the bottom for extra flavor. Let this reduce by half, concentrating the taste and giving you a lovely base. Stir in the chive and onion cream cheese spread, allowing it to melt into a bubbly, thick sauce that’s both tangy and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Place each chicken breast on a plate and spoon a generous tablespoon of that luscious sauce right on top. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful blend of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe

Two golden brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy texture sit on a white speckled plate. Each chicken piece has a creamy white sauce layered generously on top, with some of the sauce spilling over the edges. Two bright yellow lemon wedges are placed on opposite sides of the chicken pieces, adding a fresh contrast. Behind the plate, there is a red pan filled with more of the same creamy white sauce and a metal spoon resting inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth and a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley not only enhances the vibrant flavor but also adds a pop of green that looks stunning against the golden crust. A few thin lemon slices can also brighten the presentation and compliment the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides light and fresh to balance the richness of the dish. Steamed asparagus, garlic green beans, or a crisp mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be perfect companions. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a light risotto work wonderfully to soak up that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the chicken breasts and fan them on a platter, drizzling the creamy lemon-chive sauce over the top for a restaurant-worthy look. Layering the chicken atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice can add texture and make the dish even more satisfying. Don’t forget the colorful garnish to finish with flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining good texture and flavor, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for best results. Wrap the chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag, while the sauce can go in a sealed container. Both will keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F to retain its crispiness—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Warm the sauce slowly on the stovetop, stirring regularly until heated through. Then combine just before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?

Absolutely! While Ritz crackers provide a buttery flavor and light crunch, you can experiment with saltines or panko breadcrumbs for varied textures and tastes. Just make sure to season accordingly to keep that savory balance.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. Without this step, thicker parts might take longer to cook, risking dryness, while thinner parts could overcook. It’s a small effort that delivers big results.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The lemon-chive sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat gently before serving and give it a good stir—this makes weeknight dinners even easier.

What if I don’t have chive and onion cream cheese spread?

You can substitute with regular cream cheese mixed with finely chopped fresh chives and a pinch of onion powder. This DIY version will still give you that creamy texture and lovely herbaceous flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, because Ritz crackers contain gluten. However, you can swap them for gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to adapt this dish for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing the crunch.

Final Thoughts

Ready to dive into a dish that’s just bursting with flavor and texture? The Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon-Chive Sauce Recipe delivers a winning combination of crispy, juicy, and tangy that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your most requested meals — it’s that good! Give it a try soon and share the joy of this simple yet impressive dinner with those you love.