Lemon Chicken – With Lemon Butter Sauce

Lemon Chicken – This tangy, zesty lemon chicken with butter sauce is the perfect balance between bright citrus flavors and savory goodness for a quick weeknight dinner.

What Makes Lemon Chicken So Special?

Lemon chicken is a popular dish across multiple cuisines, from Chinese takeout staples to Mediterranean and American comfort food. The unique combination of fresh lemon juice, herbs, and either roasted, baked, or sautéed chicken creates a flavor profile that’s refreshing and versatile. This recipe works for both casual weeknight meals and more sophisticated dinner settings, so it’s a true all-rounder.

Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Chicken

To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lemon Chicken

• Tenderize the Chicken: To ensure even cooking and prevent dry chicken, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t quite have the same punch.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it while simmering. Use a meat thermometer to get the perfect internal temperature.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is a versatile dish that you can tweak depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Greek Chicken: Add some crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives to the dish, and substitute oregano for rosemary to give it a Mediterranean flair.
2. Creamy Chicken: Want a richer version? Add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon sauce to make it creamy and velvety. This works wonderfully over pasta.
3. Chinese Chicken: For a takeout-style version, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and lightly fry them. Make a sticky lemon sauce using honey, soy sauce, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up.
4. Lemon Chicken with Vegetables: Roast your chicken alongside veggies like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. They’ll absorb the lemony flavor and make a complete one-pan meal.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken

There are endless ways to serve this dish, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. Some favorite options include:

• Rice or Quinoa: This pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or quinoa, which soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the zesty lemon flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• Pasta: This recipe is excellent over pasta, especially if you opt for the creamy variation.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your lemon chicken:

• In the Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: This freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the moisture. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you overcook them slightly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this recipe in the oven?Yes! After searing the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, pour the lemon sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?It sure is! If you’re serving it with pasta or bread, just make sure those are gluten-free options to keep the entire meal gluten-free.

4. What can I substitute for chicken broth?If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a little salt and a splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts on Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that you can whip up quickly for any occasion. The tangy citrus paired with tender, juicy chicken makes it a meal everyone will love. With endless variations and sides, this recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks
• Chicken and Rice
• Marry Me Chicken