Description
This Italian Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then pan-seared to perfection and finished with a bright, buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines zesty citrus with savory herbs for a deliciously light yet satisfying meal.
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
- 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, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a tangy and herbaceous marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken 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 liquid. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are cooked through.
- 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, creating a glossy, well-combined sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken, and serve immediately to enjoy the bright, savory flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 1 hour) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra zest, add a few lemon slices to the skillet while cooking.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
