Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is a classic dish that your whole family will enjoy! This dish is made with tender chicken coated in a citrusy lemony sauce. Everything comes together in just 25 minutes.

Serve it with cauliflower gnocchi for a quick, simple, and satisfying meal. The chicken is great as leftovers and meal prep too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why you will love this lemon chicken recipe. Here are just a few:

• It is easy to make. This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, and it can be put together in less than 30 minutes.
• Lemon chicken has a bright and refreshing flavor. The lemony sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken.
• It is healthy. Chicken is a good source of protein, and it is also low in fat and calories. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• It is versatile. Lemon chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or vegetables.
• Even picky eaters enjoy this chicken dinner.
• This recipe is naturally gluten free and contains no added sugar.
• Check out this Tuscan Chicken for another easy, healthy family dinner!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for this creamy lemon chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the entire recipe.

First, use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are another great option.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the chicken in olive oil or avocado oil. This sears the chicken well.

Minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky flavor.

For the sauce, start with sugar free chicken broth, fresh lemon juice and zest, and unsalted butter. If needed, make your own chicken stock.

Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi is a delicious addition to this lemony chicken!

Lastly, garnish the dish with fresh herbs or spinach.

Taste & Texture

Lemon chicken has a bright and refreshing flavor.

The lemony sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken. The chicken is tender and juicy.

For some added flavor, cook the gnocchi until crispy on the outside.

How to Make

Step 1

First, prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3

Make the lemon sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the butter and dried oregano until the butter melts and the sauce becomes silky. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the lemon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5

Cook the cauliflower gnocchi: While the chicken simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi directly from the freezer and sauté for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the gnocchi is golden and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 5

Finally, serve: Plate the cauliflower gnocchi and top with the lemon chicken. Spoon extra lemon sauce over the chicken and gnocchi. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are a few expert tips and tricks for making lemon chicken:

Use fresh lemon juice and zest. Frozen lemon juice and zest will not be as flavorful.

Brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce. This will help the chicken to retain its flavor.

Simmer the sauce until it thickens. This will help the sauce to coat the chicken.

Serve the lemon chicken immediately. This will help the chicken to stay tender and juicy.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

There are many ways to vary the flavor of lemon chicken. Here are a few ideas:

Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a little spice.

Add a cup of chopped vegetables to the skillet for a heartier dish.

Serve the lemon chicken with a side of steamed brown rice or whole wheat noodles.

How to Serve & Store

Lemon chicken is best served immediately after cooking. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat the lemon chicken, simply heat it over medium heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Equipment Needed

Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this lemon chicken recipe.

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You May Also Enjoy

• Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
• Easy Spaghetti
• Weeknight Tomato Basil Pasta
• Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or entertaining family and friends! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a tangy lemon sauce that's packed with zing. The juicy chicken and bright sauce create a delicious combination that is delicious. Whether you enjoy it with rice, whole wheat noodles, or vegetables, Lemon Chicken is a versatile and flavorful meal that's great for any occasion.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Method: One Pot / Sheet Pan

Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  

½x1x2x...

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if available)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped (optional, for garnish))
• 1 bag Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• First, prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
• Make the lemon sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the butter and dried oregano until the butter melts and the sauce becomes silky. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the lemon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Cook the cauliflower gnocchi: While the chicken simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi directly from the freezer and sauté for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the gnocchi is golden and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Serve: Finally, plate the cauliflower gnocchi and top with the lemon chicken. Spoon extra lemon sauce over the chicken and gnocchi. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it can taste less vibrant.
• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption while keeping it juicy.
• Cook the gnocchi straight from the freezer for a crisp texture. Avoid thawing it, which can make the gnocchi mushy.
• Sauté garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to avoid burning and bitterness in the sauce.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Check out all of our Kitchen Favorites!
  Nutrition Facts
  Nutrition Facts

  Lemon Chicken

  Amount Per Serving

  Calories 324 Calories from Fat 198

  % Daily Value*

  Fat 22g34%

  Saturated Fat 6g38%

  Trans Fat 0.3g

  Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

  Monounsaturated Fat 11g

  Cholesterol 161mg54%

  Sodium 773mg34%

  Potassium 889mg25%

  Carbohydrates 3g1%

  Fiber 0.5g2%

  Sugar 1g1%

  Protein 49g98%

  Vitamin A 339IU7%

  Vitamin C 11mg13%

  Calcium 32mg3%

  Iron 1mg6%

  * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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