Introduction
This delightful chicken recipe brings a burst of fresh flavors with the bright essence of lemon combined with perfectly seasoned chicken breasts. It’s an easy and quick dish suitable for any weeknight dinner or when impressing guests. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that’s both nutritious and full of zest.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 chicken breasts (approximately 250–300g or 8–10oz each)
– 2 lemons
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 tablespoons flour
– ½–¾ teaspoon salt
– 2½ teaspoons cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Proceed with the recipe as outlined in the instructions, and enjoy a delightful meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two steaks. Optionally, pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm (2/5 inch).
Step 2: Zest the Lemons
Zest the lemons to obtain 1½–2 tablespoons of lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the lemon zest with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with this mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish the Dish
Optionally, slice the zested lemons and cook the slices in the skillet for garnish.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Storage Instructions
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the amount of cracked black pepper and garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
Alternative Cooking Methods
The chicken can also be grilled or baked if preferred over pan-frying.
Cook techniques
Slicing Chicken Breasts
To ensure even cooking, slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating thinner steaks. This technique allows for better absorption of flavors and faster cooking time.
Pounding Chicken
Optionally, pound the sliced chicken to an even thickness of about 1 cm (2/5 inch). This helps tenderize the meat and ensures that it cooks evenly.
Lemon Zesting
Zest the lemons carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Lemon zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Coating Chicken
Combine lemon zest and olive oil to create a marinade for the chicken. This coating not only adds flavor but also helps the flour adhere better during dredging.
Dredging Technique
In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating.
Cooking in Skillet
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Garnishing with Lemon
Optionally, slice and cook the zested lemons in the skillet for garnish. This adds a decorative touch and further infuses lemon flavor into the dish.
Serving
Serve the cooked chicken garnished with fresh parsley. This not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken besides breasts?
Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks, but cooking times may vary based on the cut of chicken.
What can I substitute for lemon zest if I don’t have lemons?
You can use pre-packaged lemon zest or other citrus zests like lime or orange, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken?
Pounding is optional but recommended for even cooking and tenderness.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked, but it may not achieve the same crispy texture.
What can I serve with this lemon chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This lemon-infused chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to enjoy a flavorful dish. The combination of lemon zest and spices creates a crispy exterior, while the juicy chicken ensures a satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh parsley and, optionally, cooked lemon slices, it makes for an appealing presentation. This dish is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Combine fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano with the olive oil and lemon zest for a fragrant twist.
Garlic Lemon Chicken
Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon and add minced fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
Chicken Piccata
After cooking the chicken, deglaze the skillet with white wine, adding capers and a bit of chicken broth for a tangy sauce.
Spicy Lemon Chicken
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Marinate the chicken breasts in the lemon zest and olive oil mixture for a few hours before grilling for enhanced flavor.
Lemon Chicken Salad
After cooking, chop the chicken and toss it with mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
