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Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bright, vibrant flavors with minimal effort, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal for family or friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side, to lock in juices and build flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Lemon: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, letting it bubble and mingle with the garlic.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: If using, add chicken broth or white wine now to deepen the flavor. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the dish for color and brightness. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; juice and zest make a big difference.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a proper sear without steaming the chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
  • Deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits before adding liquids to enhance sauce flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Lemon Chicken, quick chicken recipe, lemon chicken, gluten free chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy weeknight meal