I cannot tell you how many times I have stood in front of my fridge at five in the evening just staring at a pack of chicken with absolutely no plan. This lemon chicken recipe was born out of one of those frantic nights and it quickly turned into the meal my family begs for every single week. I have tinkered with the balance of flavors at least a dozen times to make sure it hits that perfect spot where it is tangy but still savory and comforting. The best part is that you do not need to spend all night in the kitchen. You only need 10 minutes to get everything prepped and another 20 minutes at the stove before dinner is on the table.

Ingredients Needed for Your Lemon Chicken Recipe

You probably have most of these sitting in your pantry right now. I really want to stress one thing though. Please use real lemons. The bottled stuff just does not have that bright sunshine flavor that makes this dish pop.

1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 large fresh lemons
4 cloves of garlic minced up small
1 cup of chicken broth
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
A handful of fresh parsley chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
All purpose flour for coating

Step-by-Step Lemon Chicken Recipe Guide

Follow these steps and you will have a restaurant quality meal in no time. Just keep an eye on your heat so nothing burns.

Start by slicing your chicken into even cutlets and season them well with salt and pepper. You want them to be about the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Dredge the chicken pieces in a bit of flour and then sear them in a hot pan with a little oil. You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color on both sides.
Once the chicken is browned remove it from the pan and toss in your minced garlic. After about a minute pour in the chicken broth and the juice from your fresh lemons. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Put the chicken back into the pan and let it simmer in the sauce. This is the important part. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This ensures it is safe to eat but still stays incredibly juicy.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Recipe

I have learned a few tricks over the years that really take this dish to the next level. My biggest secret is that light coating of seasoned flour before you sear the meat. It does two things. It gives the chicken a lovely crust and it naturally thickens the sauce as it simmers so you do not have to mess around with cornstarch later.

Another big mistake people make is crowding the pan. If you put too much chicken in at once the temperature drops and the meat starts to steam instead of browning. If your pan is small just cook the chicken in two batches. It is worth the extra few minutes to get that golden color.

Serving Suggestions for This Lemon Chicken Recipe

This chicken creates a delicious sauce that you definitely do not want to waste. I love serving this over a big pile of fluffy white rice or some buttered pasta because they soak up every single drop of that lemon garlic goodness. If you want something green on the plate roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans are my go to choices. The bright citrus acts like a glaze for the vegetables and makes everything taste so fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts

You absolutely can. Chicken thighs are actually a bit more forgiving because they have a higher fat content. Just keep in mind they might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to thin cutlets.

How do I prevent the lemon sauce from becoming too bitter

Bitterness usually comes from the white part of the lemon peel called the pith. If you are adding slices to the pan make sure you do not let them simmer for too long. Stick to the fresh juice for the main flavor and just use the slices as a quick garnish at the end.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This is a great option if you are looking for something light but filling. Here is a quick breakdown of what is in one serving.

Calories 290
Total Fat 12g
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 8g