What are the ingredients of lemon chicken?

A classic lemon chicken recipe includes boneless chicken breasts or thighs, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth or wine, butter, olive oil, and optional add-ins like capers, honey, or fresh herbs. Light dredging with flour helps create a golden crust.

What is lemon chicken sauce made of?

The lemon chicken sauce is a quick pan sauce made from lemon juice, zest, garlic, and broth or wine. Butter adds richness, while optional honey softens the acidity. The result is a savory, tangy glaze that clings to the chicken and brings the dish to life.

What does lemon do to chicken?

Lemon juice tenderizes chicken by breaking down proteins, making it more flavorful and juicy. It also adds brightness and acidity, which balances savory and rich flavors. Just don’t marinate too long—15 to 30 minutes is ideal.

What do you have with lemon chicken?

This lemon chicken recipe pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For veggies, consider asparagus, spinach, or a fresh salad. For a hearty combo, try it alongside chicken broccoli potato casserole or chicken nuggets in the air fryer for the kids.

Lemon Chicken Recipe – Simple, Zesty & Delicious (30-Min)

Name: Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tsp honey (optional); 1 tbsp capers (optional); 2 tbsp chopped parsley; Lemon slices (for garnish)

Description

This lemon chicken recipe is zesty, juicy, and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or weekend entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tsp honey (optional)

1 tbsp capers (optional)

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and dredge lightly in flour.

2. Heat olive oil in skillet, sear chicken 4–5 mins per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Melt butter in same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze pan with broth or wine, scraping bits.

5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and honey. Simmer 2–3 mins.

6. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, simmer another 2 mins.

7. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot.

Notes

Use thighs for extra juiciness.

Add cream to the sauce for a richer version.

Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breast with sauce
Calories: 310
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 490mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg