Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken was one of my favorite dishes growing up. The tangy chicken cutlets were crispy on the outside and juicy and full of flavor on the inside. For us kids, it was just a meal we loved, but for my mom it was an easy chicken dinner she could make ahead on busy days, knowing her kids would have a nourishing, homemade meal when they got home.

To make this lemon chicken recipe, seasoned chicken breasts are dredged in flour and seared until golden brown. They’re finished in a quick pan sauce of butter, chicken broth, lemon zest and lemon juice. Serve it right away or make it ahead for family dinner like my mom did.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken

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• Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into lengthwise slices about 1/2-inch thick each. Make sure they’re cut evenly so that they cook evenly.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper and garlic powder make a simple yet flavorful seasoning blend for this chicken recipe.
• Flour: Dredging the chicken in all-purpose flour helps it develop a crispy, golden crust.
• Olive oil: A little olive oil in the pan helps sear the flour-dredged chicken before it’s added to the lemon sauce.
• Butter: Butter is used as the base of the lemony pan sauce.
• Chicken broth: This is the primary liquid that makes up the pan sauce. Use your favorite store-bought chicken broth brand or use homemade chicken broth if you have some on hand.
• Lemon juice and zest: Lemon is key to this recipe, hence the name! We use both the zest and the juice, so don’t get hasty and throw out the fruit after you zest the lemon. Cut some lemon rounds or wedges to use as an optional garnish.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and chopped flat-leaf parsley complement the flavors of the lemon in this savory chicken dish.

Directions

Step 1: Season the chicken

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Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Then, dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in flour and shake off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

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In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them until they’re golden brown, about four to five minutes per side. Set the chicken on a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the pan sauce

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In the same pan, add the butter, chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer for two to three minutes.

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Place the chicken back in the skillet and continue cooking for another two to three minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If desired, sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and thyme and serve it with lemon slices.

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Lemon Chicken Variations

• Make it even creamier: To make the sauce even creamier, add a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream (or even just whole milk).
• Give it a kick: Make this into a spicy lemon chicken recipe by adding chili powder to the seasoning as well as to the pan sauce. You can also toast whole chili peppers in the pan with the chicken to give it a smokier flavor all around.
• Add some extra flavor: Deepen the flavor of this lemon chicken by adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme or marjoram to the chicken seasoning or to the dredge. You can also add ingredients like Dijon mustard, capers or white wine to the pan sauce.

How to Store Lemon Chicken

Store leftover lemon chicken and the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long does lemon chicken last?

Lemon chicken will last up to four days when stored properly in the fridge.

How do you reheat lemon chicken?

Reheat lemon chicken in a saucepan for about 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is warmed through. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave, or slowly in the oven.

Lemon Chicken Tips

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Can you use other cuts of chicken for lemon chicken?

If you want to use a different cut of chicken, try making this recipe with chicken thighs, which always stay moist. You can also use bone-in chicken, but consider finishing cooking the recipe in the oven since it will take longer to cook than boneless chicken.

What can you serve with lemon chicken?

Lemon chicken makes a great entree when rounded out with some vegetables and a starch. Serve it with roasted potatoes or rice, and some green beans or broccoli. It would also go well with a green salad and some garlic bread.

Can you use bottled lemon juice for lemon chicken?

Bottled lemon juice is great for certain things, but you definitely want to use fresh lemon juice for this chicken. It will give the sauce the best flavor possible—plus, that way, you can get the zest as well, which is another important ingredient for this recipe.