Chicken Breasts with Lemon

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Juicy chicken breasts marinated with lemon, ready to be served.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Chicken Breasts with Lemon is a fantastic dish that combines simple ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. The juicy chicken breasts pair perfectly with the bright and zesty lemon sauce, making it an excellent choice for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also healthy and satisfying. The use of fresh herbs and lemon adds a refreshing twist that will impress your friends and family.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s versatile; you can serve it with a variety of sides, such as rice, potatoes, or a crisp salad, making it adaptable to any preference or occasion.

HOW TO MAKE Chicken Breasts with Lemon

Ingredients

To prepare Chicken Breasts with Lemon, you will need the following ingredients:

  • ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • ¾ cup (6 ounces / 180 g) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

Follow these easy steps to make Chicken Breasts with Lemon:

  1. Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir with a fork or small whisk to mix everything well.

  2. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated, shaking off any excess flour. Set the coated chicken breasts on a plate and set aside.

  3. Cook the Chicken: In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can cook them in batches. Allow the chicken to cook uncovered for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown. Flip each breast and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

  4. Make the Sauce: Carefully discard all but 1 tablespoon of the oil from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, diced shallot, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning.

  5. Add Lemon and Broth: To the mixture in the skillet, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to your sauce.

  6. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

  7. Add Lemon Slices: Next, add the thinly sliced lemon to the skillet. Allow them to warm through and slightly soften for 1 to 2 minutes.

  8. Reheat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, including any juices that have collected on the plate. Spoon the delicious sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 1 more minute to reheat.

  9. Serve: Serve the chicken hot over a bed of cooked white rice, with extra sauce spooned on top for added flavor.

HOW TO SERVE Chicken Breasts with Lemon

Chicken Breasts with Lemon can be served in many delightful ways. The most common method is to ladle the zesty sauce over a serving of fluffy white rice. This pairs well, allowing the rice to absorb the bright flavors of the sauce. You can also serve the chicken alongside steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a well-rounded meal.

For a touch of elegance, you might consider garnishing the dish with additional fresh thyme or parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. If you have any leftovers, feel free to package them for lunch the next day, as the chicken benefits from resting and allows the flavors to deepen.

HOW TO STORE Chicken Breasts with Lemon

Storing Chicken Breasts with Lemon is quite simple. After cooking, let the dish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it is warmed through.

Tips for Storing

  • Always cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it in a container.
  • If separating the chicken from the sauce for storage, the chicken may dry out slightly upon reheating. Consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the pan for moisture when reheating.

TIPS TO MAKE Chicken Breasts with Lemon

  1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: When you pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, it ensures that they cook uniformly. This prevents some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.

  2. Don’t Rush the Browning: Give the chicken enough time to develop a nice golden crust. This not only adds flavor but also creates a visually appealing dish.

  3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme and lemon zest make a significant difference in flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh rather than dried ingredients for the best results.

  4. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the amount of lemon juice in the sauce if you prefer a zestier flavor. Always taste as you go to achieve the level of acidity you desire.

  5. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a juicier final product.

VARIATIONS

Chicken Breasts with Lemon is versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some variations to consider:

  • Herb Variations: Instead of thyme, try using rosemary or oregano for a different herbaceous flavor.

  • Creamy Lemon Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of sour cream to the sauce toward the end of cooking.

  • Lemon Pepper: Substitute the garlic powder and paprika with lemon pepper seasoning for a more lemony kick.

  • Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, asparagus, or artichoke hearts into the skillet while making the sauce for added nutrition and color.

  • Grilled Variation: For a grilled version, marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and thyme before grilling them instead of frying.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will remain moist and tender throughout the cooking process and will absorb the flavors of the lemon sauce beautifully.

2. Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else?

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as substitutes. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the dish.

3. What can I serve with Chicken Breasts with Lemon?

This dish pairs excellently with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with white rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. You can even add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

In summary, Chicken Breasts with Lemon is a simple, yet elegant dish suitable for any occasion. It combines the vibrant flavors of lemon and herbs with the heartiness of chicken to create a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing. With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation steps, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.