Why make this recipe
This Easy Lemon Chicken is quick and bright. It uses few things you likely have at home. You get a fresh lemon taste and a simple sauce. The dish cooks fast and fits weeknights. If you like simple chicken snacks, see this air fryer chicken bites recipe for another easy idea.
Introduction
This recipe makes tender chicken with a light lemon sauce. It takes about 15 minutes to cook. The flavors are fresh and mild. You can change sides to match your mood.
How to make Easy Lemon Chicken
Heat a skillet and cook the chicken until brown. Add garlic and lemon. Let the sauce reduce a little. Serve right away.
For a different method that uses frozen wings and an air fryer, you can read this frozen chicken wings air fryer recipe for tips on cooking frozen poultry.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in lemon juice and zest, simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
How to serve Easy Lemon Chicken
Serve the chicken over rice or pasta. It also goes well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Spoon a little sauce over the top for more lemon flavor.
How to store Easy Lemon Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Tips to make Easy Lemon Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry first so it browns well.
- Use fresh lemon for the best taste.
- Cook in one layer so pieces brown evenly.
- Do not overcook the chicken; stop when it reaches 165°F (74°C) or when juices run clear.
Variation
- Add a pat of butter at the end for a richer sauce.
- Stir in a splash of white wine or chicken broth for more sauce.
- Use thigh meat for a juicier result.
- Add sliced mushrooms or capers for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
A: You can, but fresh lemon juice and zest give a brighter flavor.
Q: Can I make this with frozen chicken?
A: Thaw the chicken first. Cook as the recipe says once thawed.
Q: How can I make more sauce?
A: Add 1/4 cup chicken broth or water and simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Q: Is this recipe low carb?
A: Yes, it has low carbs if you skip rice or pasta.
Q: Can I bake this instead of skillet-cooking?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then add lemon and garlic and bake 2 more minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Lemon Chicken is fast, fresh, and simple to make. For another lemon-chicken idea with a buttery sauce, try Salt & Lavender’s lemon butter chicken. For a second easy lemon chicken take, see the Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe on Stetted.
Easy Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in lemon juice and zest, simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.