Lemon Chicken is a beloved classic known for its bright, zesty flavor and simple preparation. Likely inspired by Mediterranean influences, it combines tender chicken breasts with a savory lemon-butter sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe, pairing well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, and it delivers a satisfying, tangy punch that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Chicken
- Lightly flour the chicken breasts on both sides.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.
Step 3: Make Lemon Sauce
- In the same pan, stir in broth and lemon juice.
- Bring to a simmer and scrape up brown bits from the pan.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve with the lemon sauce spooned over the top.
Tips
- Add capers for an Italian-style piccata twist.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Add garlic to the butter/oil mixture for deeper flavor.
- Deglaze with a splash of white wine before adding broth.
- Double the sauce if you prefer a more generous lemon glaze.
- Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey if you like a sweeter lemon sauce.
- Add fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil) at the end.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or sautéed greens.
- Lightly pound the chicken breasts for faster, more even cooking.
- Make it gluten-free by using rice flour or GF all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 620mgSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg