Description
This Lemon Chicken recipe features pan-seared chicken breasts in a zesty lemon sauce with garlic and herbs, making it a quick and flavorful option for any dinner. Perfectly tender and bright, it’s ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
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 chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and oregano. Let sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- If using capers, add them to the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chicken on plates, generously spooning lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate 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 phase.
- Customize herbs based on preference; fresh herbs like basil or dill can also enhance the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes