Easy Lemon Chicken

Every time I make Easy Lemon Chicken, I’m reminded of warm family gatherings and the joy of sharing a meal that everyone loves. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the vibrant flavors of lemon, creating a delightful balance that brightens any dinner table. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of lemon and herbs would fill the air. It’s amazing how food can evoke such memories, isn’t it? Now, this dish has become a staple in my home, perfect for when I want to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy night in. The caramelized lemons add a unique touch, making each bite burst with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it!

What Goes Into Easy Lemon Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Easy Lemon Chicken, simplicity is key. Each component works harmoniously to create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The key players include chicken, fresh lemons, and aromatic herbs, all coming together to create a delightful meal.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for coating the chicken, it helps achieve a crispy texture. Even a light dusting can elevate the overall dish.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the lemon‘s tartness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of this recipe, providing lean protein that cooks up juicy and tender.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dish, complementing the flavors of the chicken and lemon.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying, it contributes to a lovely golden-brown crust while enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A zesty mix that accentuates the freshness of the lemon and adds complexity to the taste of the chicken.
• Lemon Slices: The true highlight, caramelizing them brings out their sweetness and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
• Honey: This ingredient balances the tartness of the lemon and enhances the dish with its natural sweetness.
• Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley: Offers a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor and adds a lovely garnish.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Complements the dish with its earthy, aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste experience.

Making Easy Lemon Chicken

Cooking Easy Lemon Chicken is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life, and impress your family or guests with your culinary skills.

1. To start, grab a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Into the bag, add all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Next, toss in the chicken breasts. Seal the bag tightly and shake it well to coat the chicken evenly with the flour mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely golden crust.
2. In a large skillet, pour in unsalted butter and olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly. The combination of these fats adds flavor and helps the chicken brown nicely.
3. Now, carefully add the coated chicken to the skillet. Season it generously with lemon pepper. Cook the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, watching for a golden brown color. This is when the magic starts to happen!
4. Once the first side is beautifully browned, flip the chicken over. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, until cooked through. If you find the skillet isn’t big enough to accommodate all the chicken, feel free to cook in batches, adding more butter and oil as needed. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a large serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
5. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Next, add the lemon slices to the skillet in an even layer. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey, allowing the lemons to caramelize beautifully. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until they’ve reached your desired level of caramelization.
6. After flipping the lemons, add another drizzle of honey, adjusting to your taste. Keep an eye on them; if they begin to dry out, you can add a little more oil. This caramelization process is key to bringing out the natural sweetness of the lemons.
7. Once the lemons are perfectly caramelized, taste the sauce for balance. Adjust sweetness and seasoning by adding more honey, salt, or pepper as desired. This step ensures that you’ve got a well-rounded flavor that complements the chicken.
8. Finally, pour the luscious sauce and lemon slices over the warm chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and thyme for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ways to Customize

There are so many exciting ways to customize Easy Lemon Chicken. Here are some ideas to make this dish your own!

• Add vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini in the skillet. They’ll cook alongside the chicken and become infused with delicious flavors.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or paprika to the chicken seasoning for a kick.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to bring new flavors to your dish. Each herb will create a unique twist!
• Sauce variations: Instead of honey, try adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
• Grilled option: Take this dish outdoors by grilling the chicken instead. It offers a smoky flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
• Serving style: Serve the dish with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a complete meal.
• Make it a salad: Shred the cooked chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.

How to Enjoy Easy Lemon Chicken

Enjoying Easy Lemon Chicken is all about pairing it with delightful sides that complement its zesty flavors. Here are some serving ideas to consider:

• Over a bed of greens: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing, light meal.
• With rice: Pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce and add a wholesome element to your dinner.
• Alongside roasted vegetables: Complement the dish with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, which enhance the overall taste.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish is great for get-togethers, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week. Its vibrant flavors are sure to impress.
• Storage tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy this dish throughout the week.
• Seasonal pairings: Serve with a light salad during warmer months or with hearty mashed potatoes in cooler seasons for a cozy vibe.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Easy Lemon Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that brings together the bright flavors of lemon and the heartiness of chicken. Its quick preparation and impressive presentation make it a fantastic choice for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe; it might just become a family favorite! With its delightful taste and easy-to-follow steps, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy with loved ones.

Easy Lemon Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Lemon Chicken combines juicy chicken with caramelized lemons for a mouthwatering experience. This is the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 1.25 to 1.50 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts If your breasts are not thin-sliced, I recommend pounding and flattening them to about 1/2-inch thick.
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Or as needed.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Or as needed.
• 2 teaspoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning I used a no-salt variety.
• 16 slices Lemon Slices Each about 1/4-inch thick (from about 2 medium lemons).
• ¼ cup Honey Or to taste.
• 2 teaspoons Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley Finely chopped.
• ½ teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Skillet
• Food Processor

Method

 

1. To a gallon-sized ziptop bag, add the flour, salt, pepper, and chicken. Seal and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
2. To a large skillet, add the butter, oil, and heat over medium-high heat to melt the butter.
3. Add the chicken, evenly sprinkle with lemon pepper, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip, and cook about 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, or until lightly golden browned and chicken is cooked through. If your skillet is not big enough to hold all the chicken at once, cook in batches, adding butter and oil as necessary. Place all cooked chicken on a large serving platter, cover with foil to keep warm; set aside.
4. Turn the heat to medium-low and add the lemon slices to the skillet in an even, flat layer. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons honey. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until as caramelized as desired. After flipping, add another 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste. If necessary while the lemons are caramelizing, add a bit more oil to help the caramelization process along.
5. Taste sauce for seasoning balance and add additional honey, salt, pepper, etc. as desired.
6. Pour sauce and lemon slices over the chicken, evenly sprinkle with parsley, thyme, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Storage: Chicken is best warm and fresh but extra will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!