Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken is a bright, zesty, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and bathed in a tangy lemon sauce enriched with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy and elegant recipe offers a perfect balance of citrus freshness and savory warmth, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals for guests.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute with basil or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to build a flavorful base before cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 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 to rest, allowing the juices to lock in and a crust to develop.
  3. Make the Lemon Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently to reduce slightly, concentrating the bright, tangy flavors and deglazing the pan to incorporate browned bits.
  4. Finish with Butter and Herbs: Stir in the cold butter one tablespoon at a time until melted and the sauce thickens to a silky texture. Add fresh parsley (or your choice of herb) to brighten and add fresh herbal notes.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the luscious lemon sauce over them. Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes before plating with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent drying.
  • Do not overcook chicken breasts; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Zest lemons before juicing to maximize citrus flavor and avoid bitterness.
  • Deglaze the pan with lemon juice and broth to capture the flavorful browned bits.
  • Finish the dish with fresh herbs right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: Italian lemon chicken, lemon chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, zesty chicken, gluten free chicken dish