Lemon chicken is a wonderfully refreshing dish, perfect for anyone who loves a balance of tangy citrus flavors and savory chicken. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich lemon sauce, making it a fantastic option for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with various sides, such as steamed vegetables, Rice, or a fresh salad. Whether you want to serve this for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner occasion, this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious lemon chicken at home!
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s look at the essential ingredients for this lemon chicken recipe. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for four servings:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon Sauce:
- ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, approximately from 2 lemons.
- ½ cup of chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2-3 slices of lemon (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (for a creamier sauce)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (for an extra punch of citrus flavor)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet (Frying Pan): A large skillet for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan if you choose to prepare the sauce separately.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken breasts while cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping parsley and mincing garlic.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Make Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper
- You can add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for more flavor, but this is optional.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Cover the chicken with foil to retain its warmth.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and turns golden, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
- Pour the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes so it reduces slightly and the flavors concentrate.
- Add the tablespoon of butter for a richer sauce and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Optional: Creamy Lemon Sauce Variation
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at this stage and whisk it into the lemon sauce. This will create a luxurious, creamy texture.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the lemon sauce.
- Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the lemon chicken with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving. The parsley adds a fresh touch, while the lemon slices enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
- Serve the chicken hot alongside your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various side dishes, from vegetables to grains. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your lemon chicken:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would make an excellent light side for this dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: Lemon chicken pairs perfectly with white Rice, brown Rice, or quinoa. The sauce drizzled over the grains enhances their flavor.
- Pasta: For a complete meal, serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
- Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the citrusy flavors of the lemon chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting and hearty option, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will significantly improve the flavor of this dish. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which may have a more acidic, less fresh taste.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken breasts to prevent drying. A meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect doneness.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Add extra lemon juice or zest to the sauce if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of lemon juice and increase the broth.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Thighs: In this recipe, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and have more flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: To give this classic dish a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken: To enhance the flavor, add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to the sauce while it simmers.
Storing and Reheating
Lemon chicken is a great meal to make ahead, and it stores well for leftovers. Instructions for storing and reheating your lemon chicken:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: If you’d like to freeze the lemon chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Make sure to freeze the chicken with the sauce to keep it moist.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but reheating it on the stove will help retain the chicken’s texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving of this lemon chicken recipe (based on a serving size of one chicken breast with sauce):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Vitamin A: 100 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you achieve the crispiest chicken skin?
Ensure your skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken to achieve crisp skin. This helps sear the chicken and lock in moisture. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time, as chicken thighs generally take longer to cook through than breasts.
How can I thicken the lemon sauce?
Let a thicker sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. To thicken the sauce more quickly, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the chicken to warm it.
Conclusion
This lemon chicken recipe is a go-to for anyone craving a fresh, zesty, and savoury meal. Its tangy lemon sauce combined with tender, juicy chicken makes for a satisfying and light dish that can be paired with various sides. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it spicier, creamier, or with different cuts of chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this lemon chicken recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Enjoy the citrus flavor and the comfort of a home-cooked meal with this easy-to-follow recipe.
For more chicken recipes, check out this link.
Lemon chiken recipe
Equipment
- 1 Skillet (or Frying Pan) For searing the chicken
- 1 Saucepan For preparing the lemon sauce
- 1 Tongs For flipping the chicken
- 1 Cutting board For preparing ingredients
- 1 Knife For chopping garlic and parsley
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 slices lemon, for garnish
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Pour the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce turns creamy.
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and coat them with the lemon sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley and lemon slices just before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional few minutes until it reduces.
- If you like a creamier sauce, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce in the last step.
- Serve the lemon chicken with steamed vegetables or over rice for a well-rounded meal.