Luscious Lemon Chicken: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Dish
Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and flavourful dish that infuses the succulent tenderness of chicken with the zingy zest of lemon. It’s a perfect meal to jazz up your dinner with a refreshing twist. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick and tasty option for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and honey to the skillet, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Pour this into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon zest until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for another minute to reheat the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Your luscious Lemon Chicken is now ready to be served! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. Enjoy the burst of citrus goodness in every bite!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If the sauce is too tangy for your taste, add a bit more honey to balance the flavors.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Serve your Lemon Chicken with love and watch it become an instant favorite among family and friends. Bon appétit!