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Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and satisfying dish bursting with zesty lemon flavor and tender, juicy chicken. Made with simple fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It offers a bright, refreshing taste while staying healthy and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice the fresh lemons, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This sets the foundation for maximum flavor and helps achieve a perfect sear.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to lock in juices and develop a flavorful crust.
  3. Create the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and mix in the browned bits, which deepen the sauce’s richness.
  4. Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the lemon sauce over them. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Finish With Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving to add color and vibrant herb flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier results.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest — it provides an intense citrus aroma that lemon juice alone can’t match.
  • Deglaze the pan well to incorporate all caramelized bits into the sauce, enhancing depth of flavor.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain moistness.
  • Adjust the acidity of the sauce by adding a pinch of sugar if the lemon taste feels too tart.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Lemon Chicken, lemon chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken