This easy lemon chicken is juicy, tasty, and has a zesty flavor that makes your taste buds smile! With just a few ingredients, you can whip this dish up in no time.
I love how the bright lemon taste brightens up the chicken. It’s perfect with rice or veggies. You might find yourself making it more often than you planned! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you want a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which also add great flavor and stay juicy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for cooking. However, you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic works well, but fresh is always better for its taste!
Lemon Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is wonderful for flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is a substitute, but use less than the recipe calls for, as it’s usually more concentrated.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re vegan or prefer not to use honey, maple syrup is a great alternative!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but keeping the following in mind will help:
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. This ensures it’s fully cooked.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking—give the chicken some space!
- If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, you can pound them to an even thickness before cooking for consistent results.
Following these tips will leave you with perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Easy Lemon Chicken with Zesty Flavor
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious lemon chicken on your table in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step adds flavor to your chicken right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Next, pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow it to reduce slightly and become more flavorful. You want to achieve a nice balance of tangy and sweet!
5. Bring the Chicken Back:
Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all that delicious lemon flavor!
6. Add the Butter:
Finally, stir in the unsalted butter and let it melt into the sauce. This will give your sauce a beautiful, glossy finish. It adds an extra richness that ties everything together perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and add a few lemon slices on the side for that extra pop of freshness. Serve your zesty lemon chicken warm alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
Now you have a tasty, juicy lemon chicken that’s full of flavor! Enjoy this zesty dish with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Chicken with Zesty Flavor
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to thaw them completely before cooking. The easiest way to thaw is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or, if you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method—place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup works great as a substitute! You can also use agave nectar or brown sugar to maintain that sweet balance in the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator, and then reheat them together when you’re ready to serve. Just ensure the chicken is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before enjoying!
