Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon chicken is a classic dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the savory flavors of tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s easy to make and will leave your taste buds craving more. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

For this flavorful lemon chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

5. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

9. Return the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Add the capers and lemon zest.
10. Simmer Together: Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
11. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Rice or Quinoa: The grains will soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent companions.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting and hearty side.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Conclusion

This lemon chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its bright citrus flavor and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. Enjoy the burst of lemony goodness with each bite!

Happy cooking!