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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken

This easy Lemon Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts or thighs with zesty fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, and savory herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers bright, fresh flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion. The dish is versatile, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with veggies, rice, or salads.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade & Sauce

  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they brown well. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Make the Lemon Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the fresh herbs. Whisk thoroughly to create a bright, zesty marinade and sauce base.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 4 minutes or until cooked through, adjusting time depending on thickness.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour the lemon garlic mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Add the chicken broth or water. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally as it thickens and infuses flavor.
  5. Final Touches: Once the sauce is reduced to your desired consistency, garnish the chicken with additional fresh herbs and a few thin lemon slices before serving.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
  • Always use fresh lemons for the best bright and aromatic flavor; bottled juice is not recommended.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid toughening the chicken.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest off the heat for a few minutes to retain juiciness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken, weeknight meals, fresh herbs chicken