Description
This Italian Lemon Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Perfect for a light, bright dinner, it combines fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a buttery sauce to create a deliciously tangy and herbaceous dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if required)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly to create a tangy and herbaceous marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Cook each chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade along with the chicken broth into the same skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely, creating a glossy, well-combined sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked chicken breasts for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the bright and savory flavors of this Italian-inspired dish.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 1 hour but no longer to avoid overpowering the chicken.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth if you require a gluten-free diet.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to make a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
