Lemon and Parsley Chicken

Lemon and Parsley Chicken Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon and parsley chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tangy lemon, fresh parsley, and savory chicken creates a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of lemon and parsley chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Mediterranean roots. Lemon and parsley are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, and when paired with chicken, they create a dish that is both light and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken breast fillets, halved lengthwise
cracked black pepper
1.5 tbsp olive oil, plus extra oil for sauce
2 tbsp capers
1 tsp chile flakes
1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 cup chopped parsley

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Sprinkle the chicken with the pepper and add it to the pan.
Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until browned.
Add the extra oil, capers, chili flakes, lemon rind, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then add the lemon juice and parsley.
Serve with a rocket (arugula) salad.

Variations

You can add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken with cracked black pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in lemon juice and parsley before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon and parsley chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, but still juicy and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have capers, you can use olives or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

- You can also use dried parsley if you don't have fresh parsley on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in lemon juice and parsley ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

3g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice and parsley, which helps boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamin C, but it is also high in fat. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lemon and parsley chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With the tangy lemon, fresh parsley, and savory chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Lemon and Parsley Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I had just arrived in the small village of Provence, France. I was staying with a dear friend of mine who was a renowned chef in the area, and she had invited me to watch her prepare a special dinner for some guests.

As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the way she effortlessly combined different flavors and ingredients to create delicious dishes. Her kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scents of herbs and spices, and I knew that I was in for a treat.

One of the dishes she was preparing that evening was Lemon and Parsley Chicken, a recipe that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. As she chopped fresh parsley and squeezed lemons, she explained to me the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to properly marinate the chicken.

I was mesmerized by the way she skillfully seasoned the chicken with garlic, olive oil, and a generous amount of lemon juice. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the chicken roasted in the oven, my friend shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make this recipe. She told me that when she was a young girl, her grandmother would take her out into the garden to pick fresh herbs and vegetables for their meals. It was during these moments that she learned the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and cooking with love and care.

Her grandmother had passed down the recipe for Lemon and Parsley Chicken to her, and she had cherished it ever since. She told me that whenever she made this dish, it reminded her of the happy times she had spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the art of cooking.

When the chicken was finally ready, my friend plated it beautifully and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The dish looked absolutely stunning, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I savored the tender, flavorful chicken, I couldn't help but be amazed by the complexity of flavors in each bite. The tangy lemon, the earthy parsley, and the rich garlic all worked together harmoniously to create a truly unforgettable dish.

I thanked my friend for sharing the recipe with me and asked her if she would mind writing it down for me so that I could make it for my own family back home. She smiled and handed me a piece of paper with the recipe neatly written out in her elegant handwriting.

I returned home from my trip to Provence with a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking and a deep desire to recreate the magic of that Lemon and Parsley Chicken dish. Over the years, I have made it for my family countless times, each time bringing back memories of that summer day in France and the special bond I shared with my friend.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that momentous occasion, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and knowledge that I have gained through my love of cooking. And I can only hope that one day, my own grandchildren will be just as captivated by the recipes and stories that I pass down to them, just as my friend did for me.