Description
Lemon Chicken is a bright, juicy, and quick dinner option combining tender chicken with zesty lemon and simple fresh ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances tangy and savory flavors with pantry staples, delivering a wholesome and delicious meal suitable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper to ensure a crisp, golden exterior and lock in the juices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Simmer gently to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine and Cook Through: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top to add freshness and color. Serve with your choice of sides or salads.
Notes
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a perfect sear.
- Use a microplane to finely zest lemons for maximum aroma.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes off heat to deepen flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken, quick dinner, chicken recipe, gluten free, savory lemon chicken, easy chicken dish
