Fresh Lemon Chicken

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Quick pan-seared chicken breasts finished in a bright, aromatic lemon-ginger wine sauce.
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Fresh Lemon Chicken recipe image
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Fresh Lemon Chicken

Author: chefs-mate Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4

Description

This Fresh Lemon Chicken is a weeknight savior that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under twenty minutes. The secret lies in the quick sear of the pounded chicken, which locks in juices, followed by a vibrant pan sauce. Bright lemon juice and zest cut through the richness, while fresh ginger and garlic add a warm, aromatic depth. A splash of white wine or sherry deglazes the pan, picking up all the savory fond, before fresh parsley adds a final burst of color and freshness. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for busy evenings or a light lunch. Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up every drop of that zesty, golden sauce. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering at the table, eager for this simple, elegant dish that feels like a celebration of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place chicken breasts or thighs between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until evenly flat.
  2. Lightly coat the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes per side until light golden brown.
  5. When flipping the chicken to the second side, add the minced ginger, lemon zest, and garlic to the pan.
  6. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm in the oven.
  7. In the same pan, deglaze with white wine (or sherry), chicken stock, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Add chopped scallions or mushrooms if using, and simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
  9. Stir in the chopped parsley.
  10. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, turning to coat in the sauce and heat through.
  11. Serve immediately.

Note

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Serving Suggestion: I usually serve this with some type of rice or grain pilaf and a simple vegetable or salad.

Variations: This also works well with veal (use marsala or madeira or sherry) and pork (any of the previous wines or try using a port for a rich earthy flavor). Another option is to use lime or orange with a light touch of tarragon or basil.

Tip: Kids love to pound the chicken, just place it between two sheets of plastic wrap to keep it from being sprayed all over the place.

Keywords: lemon chicken, pan seared chicken, chicken breast, lemon sauce, ginger garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, wine sauce, healthy chicken, weeknight meal, light dinner, chicken thighs
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