Lemon Chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, with tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a zesty lemon sauce. The citrusy kick from fresh lemon juice with garlic, herbs, and a touch of butter, makes a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with any side.
What Makes This Lemon Chicken Recipe Special?
Lemon Chicken stands out for its bright, citrusy flavor that complements the natural juiciness of the chicken. The use of fresh lemon juice, zest, and lemon slices infuses the chicken with a bold and tangy taste. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can be made in various ways, from pan-searing the chicken breasts to roasting them for a golden finish. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week ahead. And best of all, it’s simple and quick to prepare with just a few basic ingredients.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Chicken:
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a natural, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, be careful not to overcook it. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F in the center.
- Searing is Key: Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust that locks in juices. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: If the sauce feels too tart, a spoonful of honey or maple syrup can balance out the flavors for a richer, more complex taste.
- Thyme for Flavor: Fresh thyme or even rosemary adds a delightful herbaceous note to the dish, but don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.
Variations of Lemon Chicken:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, swap out the chicken breasts. They have a richer flavor and stay juicier when cooked.
- Lemon Chicken Piccata: Add capers and a splash of white wine to the sauce to create a classic piccata variation with a tangy and briny twist.
- Lemon Chicken with Vegetables: Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the skillet for a one-pan meal. The vegetables will soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
- Grilled Lemon Chicken: For a smoky, charred flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill it to perfection.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken:
Lemon Chicken can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences:
- With Vegetables: Serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. The lemon sauce complements the natural flavors of the veggies perfectly.
- On a Bed of Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling meal, serve the lemon chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous. The grains will soak up the tangy lemon sauce.
- With a Fresh Salad: Lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, especially one with mixed greens, feta cheese, and olives.
- With Pasta: Serve the chicken alongside pasta for a hearty and comforting meal. A simple garlic butter pasta would work wonders.
How to Store Leftover Lemon Chicken:
Lemon chicken can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, place it in a skillet with a little extra chicken broth or lemon juice to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the skillet method tends to preserve the texture better.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the lemon chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great option. They are juicier and tend to be more forgiving, making them perfect for dishes that require a longer cooking time.
Can I make the sauce without wine? Absolutely! You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or water. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked? The safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Lemon chicken can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can prepare it ahead of time for an easy meal later.
Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, with tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a zesty lemon sauce. The citrusy kick from fresh lemon juice with garlic, herbs, and a touch of butter, makes a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with any side.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, patted dry
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Parmesan Breading:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then lightly pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet.
- Prepare the Egg and Parmesan Mixtures: In one bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan and flour.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Once hot, cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until crispy, golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and pepper, letting the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the lemon butter sauce over the top and gently turn to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 713Total Fat 45gSaturated Fat 23gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 328mgSodium 1043mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 64g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts:
Lemon Chicken is an incredibly versatile dish that brings together the refreshing tang of lemon and the savory flavors of chicken in the most delicious way. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
Try these other chicken recipes:
