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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken
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A quick and flavorful Lemon Chicken recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to a golden crisp and served with a bright, tangy lemon sauce made from fresh lemons, garlic, chicken broth, and butter. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances fresh citrus zest with savory richness and is easy to customize for your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup flour or cornstarch (for coating)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece with flour or cornstarch to ensure a thin, crispy crust forms when cooked, locking in moisture and creating a golden exterior.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
  3. Make the Lemon Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the pan to release browned bits. Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter until melted and smooth, creating a rich and silky texture. Optionally, add lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon sauce over each piece. Heat through for a few minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors. Plate and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices as desired.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for a crispier sear and better crust development.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks freshness.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Let the meat rest after cooking to redistribute juices and avoid dryness.
  • Deglaze the pan well by scraping up browned bits to add depth to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, quick dinner, chicken breast, citrus chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken, lemon sauce

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/lemon-chicken/