Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken Recipe with Basil and Garlic | Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon chicken is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with tender chicken breast. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is easy to prepare.

History

Lemon chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, where it is often made with a crispy coating and a sweet and sour sauce. This recipe, however, is a simpler and healthier version that focuses on the natural flavors of the chicken and lemon.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 tbsp chopped fresh or 2 tsp dried basil leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp olive or canola oil
0.5 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

How to prepare

Remove the fat from the chicken.
Prepare the lemon sauce by beating the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl using a whisk or fork.
Spray a 10-inch skillet with cooking spray and cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes or until the juices are no longer pink when the thickest part of the chicken is cut.
Spoon some of the lemon sauce over the chicken, then turn the chicken over and cook for an additional 15–20 seconds.
Serve the chicken topped with the remaining sauce.

Variations

For a twist on this recipe, try adding some honey or soy sauce to the lemon sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove any excess fat from the chicken breasts before cooking to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until the juices run clear and the thickest part of the chicken is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon sauce for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken in a skillet helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh basil or parsley, you can use dried herbs instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lemon chicken with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.

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

160 per serving

Carbohydrates

2g per serving

Fats

4g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice, 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 lemon chicken recipe is a low-carb, high-protein dish that is rich in vitamin C and low in calories.

Summary

Lemon chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a tangy lemon sauce and tender chicken breast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Lemon Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Maria's house. She was known in our family for her delicious and inventive recipes, and that day was no exception.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the tantalizing aroma of lemon and herbs. Aunt Maria greeted me with a smile and said, "I'm making Lemon Chicken for dinner tonight. Would you like to help me?"

I eagerly agreed, and she handed me a cutting board and a knife. As she began to show me how to prepare the ingredients, she told me the story of how she learned to make this dish.

"It all started when I was a young girl, just like you," she began. "I used to spend summers with my grandmother in the countryside. She was an amazing cook and taught me everything I know about cooking."

Aunt Maria went on to explain that one summer, they had an abundance of lemons from the trees in their garden. Her grandmother decided to try something new and came up with the recipe for Lemon Chicken.

"She made it for us one night, and it was love at first bite," Aunt Maria said with a twinkle in her eye. "I've been making it ever since, and it never fails to impress."

As we prepared the ingredients together, Aunt Maria shared tips and tricks she had learned over the years. She showed me how to properly zest a lemon, how to season the chicken just right, and how to make a delicious lemon sauce to pour over the dish.

After we had finished preparing the Lemon Chicken, we placed it in the oven to bake. The scent of citrus and herbs filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. The Lemon Chicken was tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of tangy lemon and savory herbs. It was a dish that seemed to embody the essence of summer.

As we ate, Aunt Maria shared more stories of her grandmother and the adventures they had in the kitchen together. She told me about the time they made homemade pasta from scratch, the laughter they shared while baking pies, and the joy they found in creating delicious meals for their family.

By the end of the meal, I felt inspired and grateful to have Aunt Maria as a mentor in the kitchen. Her passion for cooking and her love of sharing recipes with others had ignited a spark in me that I knew would never fade.

Since that day, I have made Aunt Maria's Lemon Chicken countless times, always with a smile on my face and a grateful heart for the memories we shared in her kitchen. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of the love and tradition that have been passed down through generations, and I am filled with a sense of pride and connection to my family's culinary heritage.

So whenever I make Lemon Chicken, I am not just following a recipe – I am honoring a legacy, celebrating a tradition, and sharing a taste of my family's history with those I hold dear. And for that, I am forever grateful.