Italian Lemon Chicken

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Italian Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, zesty dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. It pairs juicy, pan-seared chicken with a rich lemon-garlic sauce that soaks into every bite. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners, giving you a restaurant-style experience without the effort.

There’s something about the bright tang of lemon that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served over pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, Italian Lemon Chicken feels both cozy and elegant. It’s comfort food with a citrusy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Lemon Chicken

This dish is full of bold flavor yet surprisingly light. The lemon cuts through the richness, keeping each bite refreshing. It comes together quickly, uses just one skillet, and leans on fresh, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your liking – add a splash of white wine or extra herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to here, sliced thin or pounded for quick, even cooking. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. The key is to sear until golden and let the lemon sauce do the rest.

Ingredients for the Italian Lemon Chicken

This recipe shines because of its simplicity. A few key ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Look for fresh, quality produce and pantry staples to bring this dish to life.

• Chicken breasts
• Lemon juice
• Garlic cloves
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

The combination of lemon juice and garlic cloves builds a deeply flavorful sauce, while chicken broth adds body and depth. Olive oil and butter provide richness, and flour helps the sauce cling to the chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hit of color and freshness.

How To Make the Italian Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise or pound to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour. This helps create a delicate crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and capture all those flavorful bits.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through and tender. Spoon sauce over the chicken and finish with chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing This Italian Lemon Chicken

This dish serves four people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner. Serve it straight from the skillet or plate it elegantly over pasta or rice. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove to preserve the texture.

What to Serve With Italian Lemon Chicken?

Pasta or Linguine

Tossed lightly in olive oil or butter, pasta makes the perfect base to soak up the lemon sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts roasted until golden are a great contrast to the lemony chicken.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, garlicky potatoes balance out the brightness of the lemon with richness.

Crusty Bread

Ideal for sopping up every last drop of the lemony sauce.

Green Salad

A crisp salad with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and balsamic glaze keeps the meal light and balanced.

Grilled Zucchini

Smoky and tender zucchini pairs beautifully with the fresh citrus flavors.

Rice Pilaf

A simple rice pilaf with herbs rounds out the meal and complements the savory sauce.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love this Italian Lemon Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious dishes too:

• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with a tangy-sweet glaze.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for pasta lovers.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a hearty one-pan meal.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken that brings the bold flavor with minimal effort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it over pasta or go with mashed potatoes? Did you add capers or fresh thyme?

I love hearing how others bring these recipes to life. Feel free to ask questions too – let’s help each other cook confidently.

Explore beautifully curated chicken and dinner recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy favorite: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Italian Lemon Chicken is everything a weeknight dinner should be: easy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you get a meal that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s tangy, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

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