Zesty Lemon Chicken: Brighten Up Your Dinner Time!

Hey there, kitchen buddy! Looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and just the right punch of citrus? This lemon chicken recipe is your new best friend. It’s bright, punchy, and irresistibly tender — all whipped up in under 30 minutes with pantry staples you already have. Who knew homemade could be so simple and satisfying?  

And trust me, while store-bought lemon chicken is fine, this version will have you wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. The fresh lemon zest and juice give it a lively, zingy aroma that’ll fill your kitchen and get those taste buds tingling. It’s like sunshine on a plate—and how can you say no to that?  

Feeling adventurous? Why not try your hand at a quick garlic herb salsa or a simple roasted veggie side to elevate your meal? Now, let’s dive into cooking magic—grab those lemons, and let’s get started!  

Lemon Chicken

This lemon chicken recipe involves pan-searing chicken breasts until golden brown, then simmering them in a bright lemon sauce made with fresh lemon juice and zest. The dish has tender, juicy chicken with a glossy, tangy sauce that coats the meat, offering a vibrant and appealing appearance.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: General

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Zester or fine grater
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring spoons
• Juicer or bowl for lemon juice

Method

 

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness, about 1 inch, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
   
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
   
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should turn slightly golden.
   4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
   
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a spatula. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. The liquid should become slightly thicker and fragrant.
   4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
5. If desired, whisk together the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
   4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
   
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon zest.
   4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
   
7. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with additional lemon zest or herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
   

See? That lemon chicken was a burst of bright flavor in no time! Serve it up over fluffy rice or your favorite pasta for a truly satisfying meal. For an extra zing, top with chopped fresh herbs—you’ll love the fresh pop they bring. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations below; I’d love to hear how it turned out!