Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Pan Sauce

This recipe combines juicy, flavorful chicken with a bright and tangy lemon garlic pan sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• For the chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• For the pan sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the chicken (optional): In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (if using). Add the chicken breasts or thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for extra flavor.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the pan sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Whisk in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

4. Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken: After dredging the chicken in the marinade, you can coat it in flour or breadcrumbs before pan-frying for added texture.

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: For even more flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Cook the chicken skin-side down first, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the chicken and cook for a few minutes more, until cooked through.

• Lemon variations: For a stronger lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the pan sauce along with the juice. You can also use a combination of lemon and another citrus fruit, such as orange or lime.

• Side dish ideas: This lemon garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.