Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken

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Lemon chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty, citrus sauce. It’s bright and comforting. The mix of tangy lemon, garlic, and herbs makes this recipe a family favorite. You can pan-sear, bake, or grill lemon chicken. It’s an easy meal. It goes well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special events. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best lemon chicken at home.

Lemon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Recipe

  • Incredibly juicy and tender chicken

  • Rich, tangy lemon-garlic sauce

  • Simple ingredients, big flavor

  • Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes

  • Versatile – can be served with rice, pasta, or veggies

Ingredients List

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for light coating)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Choosing the Best Chicken for This Recipe

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Classic and lean, cooks quickly.

  • Chicken thighs – More flavorful and juicy, slightly longer cook time.

  • Bone-in chicken – Takes longer to cook but adds more depth of flavor.

If using bone-in chicken, increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Make Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

  • Lightly coat the chicken with flour—this helps create a slight crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

  • Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

  • In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

  • Stir in the butter, oregano, thyme, and honey.

  • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

  • Return the seared chicken to the pan.

  • Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

  • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken.

  • Garnish with lemon slices for extra freshness.

  • Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Lemon Chicken

Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken

  • Use fresh lemon juice – It gives a brighter, fresher flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.

  • Don’t skip the flour – Lightly dusting the chicken helps create a slightly crispy coating.

  • Simmer, don’t boil – Keeping the sauce at a gentle simmer helps it thicken without overcooking the chicken.

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Variations to Try

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Add extra butter and more garlic for a richer, more indulgent flavor.

Spicy Lemon Chicken

  • Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Creamy Lemon Chicken

  • Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream to make a rich, creamy sauce.

Baked Lemon Chicken

  • Instead of pan-searing, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Grilled Lemon Chicken

  • Marinate the chicken in the lemon sauce for 30 minutes, then grill for 5-6 minutes per side.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken

This dish pairs well with many sides, including:

  • Rice: Garlic butter rice, lemon herb rice, or brown rice.

  • Pasta: Toss with buttered noodles or angel hair pasta.

  • Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach.

  • Bread: Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerating:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat until warm.

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320

  • Carbohydrates: 6g

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 1g

This dish is naturally gluten-free (if using cornstarch instead of flour) and low in carbs, making it keto-friendly.

FAQs

Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

How Do I Keep Chicken Moist?

  • Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

  • Simmer instead of boiling in the sauce.

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

How Do I Make It Dairy-Free?

Use olive oil instead of butter and chicken broth instead of cream.

Conclusion

Try this lemon chicken recipe if you enjoy bright flavors. It has juicy, tender chicken that really stands out. No matter if you pan-fry, bake, or grill, the lemony garlic sauce makes it taste amazing.