Lemon Chicken Recipe is a tangy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs this recipe serves 4, takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and offers a light, refreshing meal for any occasion.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Burst of Fresh Flavor: The lemon juice and zest create a vibrant, tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Quick and Easy: This Lemon Chicken Recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Light: Made with fresh ingredients and minimal oil, this dish is nutritious and low in calories.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and add vegetables or spices to make the recipe your own.
- Versatile Meal: Lemon Chicken pairs well with various sides, making it a go-to recipe for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
❓ What Is Lemon Chicken Recipe?
Lemon Chicken Recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This tangy and aromatic dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and pairs wonderfully with various sides for a satisfying meal.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
🥘 Instructions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Lemon Chicken warm with the sauce poured over it.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for Lemon Chicken. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for optimal results.
- Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Avoid cooking on high heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough or the sauce from reducing too quickly.
- Let the Chicken Rest:Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before slicing.
🍚 What To Serve With Lemon Chicken?
Serve Lemon Chicken with sides like rice pilaf, roasted asparagus, or garlic mashed potatoes add a simple green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal and soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Lemon Chicken?
- Refrigeration: Store cooked leftover Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the sauce is included to keep the chicken moist.
- Freezing: Place leftover lemon chicken and its sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Chicken?
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) place leftover lemon chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth cover with foil and heat for 2-5 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Heat leftover lemon chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of broth or water to the sauce to prevent drying out for up 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
What is the origin of Lemon Chicken?
Lemon Chicken has roots in both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Mediterranean versions highlight herbs and olive oil, while Asian-style Lemon Chicken often features a sweeter, thicker sauce.
Can I use boneless, skin-on chicken for Lemon Chicken?
Yes, boneless, skin-on chicken works well for Lemon Chicken the skin adds extra flavor and a crispy texture. Sear the skin side first to lock in moisture.
How long does it take to cook Lemon Chicken?
Lemon Chicken typically takes about 20 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I bake Lemon Chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Yes, you can bake Lemon Chicken. Sear the chicken first, then transfer it to an oven-safe dish, pour the sauce over, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make Lemon Chicken spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to give Lemon Chicken a spicy kick without overpowering its tangy flavor.
How do I prevent Lemon Chicken from becoming dry?
To keep Lemon Chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Letting the chicken rest after cooking also helps retain juices.
Lemon Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Iron: 6%
Lemon Chicken Recipe
Description
Lemon Chicken Recipe is a tangy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs this recipe serves 4, takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and offers a light, refreshing meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Lemon Chicken warm with the sauce poured over it.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for Lemon Chicken. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for optimal results.
Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Cook on Medium Heat: Avoid cooking on high heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough or the sauce from reducing too quickly.
Let the Chicken Rest:Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before slicing.