Description
This Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant lemon sauce infused with garlic and herbs. It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal, bringing a burst of flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink and the juices should run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- If using capers, add them to the sauce now.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Place a chicken breast on each plate and drizzle with the lemon sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the simmering process.
- Customize the herbs in the sauce with fresh basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes