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Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 75 reviews

This Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to a golden brown and finished in the oven with a bright, zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon slices and parsley, this dish offers vibrant flavors in a simple, elegant preparation, ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (about 1 teaspoon each for seasoning the chicken)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pound the chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer until they are even in thickness. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper each.
  2. Heat Skillet and Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
  3. Dredge Chicken in Flour: Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
  4. Pan-Sear Chicken: Place the floured chicken breasts in the hot skillet in batches, adding more olive oil as needed. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the second, until golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
  5. Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: Keep the skillet on medium-low heat after removing the chicken. Add the butter, followed by the minced garlic; cook garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add Lemon and Simmer Sauce: Add the thin lemon slices and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the lemon slices occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Combine and Bake: Pour the lemon-butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
  • Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken to ensure a nice golden crust.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer for safe cooking.
  • Leftover lemon butter sauce can be spooned over vegetables or pasta for extra flavor.