Lemon chicken is a timeless classic that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of butter and a satisfying crispy breading. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual entertaining, this recipe is simple and delicious, making it a go-to option for any meal plan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Our lemon chicken recipe features a blend of simple ingredients that balance flavor and texture beautifully:
- Lemon: Juice and zest from fresh lemons will enhance the dish with its vibrant citrus taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a velvety sauce.
- Breading Mixture:
- Egg Wash: One or two eggs, beaten, to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Cornstarch and Flour: A mixture of cornstarch and flour creates a light, crispy coating that keeps the chicken juicy inside.
- Garlic Powder: For a savory flavor that complements the tanginess of the lemon.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Step-By-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by choosing skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, as they are easy to work with and cook quickly. Cut each piece to create an even thickness, about 2-3 inches, which will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
To get that golden, crispy exterior, set up a breading:
- Egg Wash: Crack one or two eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk.
- Dry Breading Mixture: In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour adding salt, black pepper and garlic powder for flavor.
Dip each chicken piece first into the breading mixture, then the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat again in the breading mixture. Set the breaded pieces aside on a tray, ready for frying.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, carefully add the breaded chicken, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Create the Lemon Butter Sauce
Mix chicken broth, the remaining butter, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
In the same skillet where you pan-fried the chicken, add a little more butter if necessary then add the chicken broth mixture, stirring to combine and letting the sauce simmer briefly. This deglazes the pan, picking up any golden-brown bits left behind from frying the chicken, which adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well in the lemon-butter sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the flavors fully.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon chicken pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Classic Pairings: Serve chicken over rice or a bed of pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Low-Carb Options: Pair with cauliflower rice or a medley of steamed vegetables for a lighter, nutrient-rich side.
- Fresh Salads: A simple side salad with greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a light vinaigrette, complements the richness of the lemon chicken.
For added texture and flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or basil over the chicken before serving.
Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Chicken
- Choose fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor. Bottled juice lacks the vibrant freshness that this dish deserves.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so adjust the time accordingly.
- Achieve perfect crispiness: Double-dipping the chicken pieces in the flour-cornstarch mixture makes them extra crispy. After the first breading, let the chicken rest briefly, then dip it back into the egg wash and flour mixture for a second layer.
- Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add minced garlic, if you like that bold, savory taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, lemon chicken stores well and can be just as delicious the next day. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately, as this helps preserve the crispiness of the breading.
- Freezing: Lemon chicken can also be frozen, though the texture of the breading may soften. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For crispy results, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of lemon juice to revive the sauce.
Easy and Delicious Lemon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: International
Description
This lemon chicken recipe is versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. The zesty lemon and crispy breading come together in a way that is comforting making it a dish everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs (about 300g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For breading
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds for garnishing
Chopped fresh greens (parsley or young onion) for garnishing – optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 2-3 inch pieces. Sprinkle chicken with salt (optional). Set aside.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, flour and cornflour. Set aside
- Beat eggs. Set aside.
- Dip chicken pieces in flour mixture, then in eggwash. Dip/roll in flour mixture another time. Make sure they are coated well.
- Over medium-high heat, add olive oil and half the butter to a skillet. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook them until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Mix chicken broth, the remaining butter, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Reduce heat to medium. Using the same skillet, add the chicken broth mixture and heat them until they bubble.
- Add the chicken to the mixture and cook for two minutes.
- Transfer onto a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds, and fresh parsley or young onion, if using.
