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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken

This Lemon Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and tender, juicy chicken. Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients, it’s a versatile, family-friendly dish that can be made quickly for a delicious weeknight meal or adapted with herbs and spices for different flavor profiles.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine, for pan sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a zesty marinade that will infuse the chicken with bright citrus flavor and moisture.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat deeply.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade), then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, forming a flavorful crust while locking in juiciness.
  4. Make the Pan Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet along with chicken broth or white wine if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This creates a tangy, aromatic sauce that will coat the chicken.
  5. Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet briefly to soak up the sauce’s flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, serve hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy a bright, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best brightness; bottled lemon juice lacks fresh flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to improve tenderness and taste.
  • Pat the chicken dry before searing to ensure a golden, crispy crust instead of steaming.
  • Control the heat carefully to get a good sear but avoid burning the garlic.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to keep juices locked in.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Searing (Optionally Baking)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: lemon chicken, citrus chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly chicken, gluten free chicken