Description
Italian Lemon Chicken is a bright and zesty dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe blends tangy lemon flavors with savory oregano and a silky butter sauce, making it a perfect quick, healthy, and versatile meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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 fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together well to create a tangy and herbaceous marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the butter until melted and sauce is glossy and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately, enjoying the bright and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best lemon flavor and aroma.
- Do not overcook the chicken; cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Always boil the reserved marinade before using it to eliminate any bacteria from raw chicken.
- Sear the chicken first to develop beautiful color and richer taste before simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg