Lemon Chicken Recipe
This lemon chicken recipe is juicy, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Quick to make, perfect for weeknights, and pairs beautifully with veggies or rice.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- For the Lemon Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for finishing
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge: Lightly coat each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant read thermometer. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make the lemon sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Simmer: Let the sauce bubble for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the remaining butter for a glossy finish.
- Return the chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Thin is in: Thinner chicken cooks faster and more evenly, so cut the chicken horizontally instead of pounding it.
- Don’t overcook: Use an instant read thermometer — 165°F is your target internal temperature.
- Deglaze well: Scrape up the brown bits when adding broth — that’s pure flavor.
- Use fresh lemons: Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice makes the flavor pop.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If it’s too thin, simmer longer; too thick, add a splash of broth.