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An easy lemon chicken dinner recipe with golden-brown chicken and fresh lemon slices.

Classic Easy Lemon Chicken Dinner Recipe

This classic easy lemon chicken dinner recipe offers a delightful blend of zesty lemon and savory herbs, creating a flavorful and quick meal perfect for any weeknight. With tender chicken breasts and a rich, bright sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • paper towels
  • shallow dish or bowl
  • whisk
  • large skillet (oven-safe)
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 medium-sized fresh lemons for juice and zest
  • 3 cloves, freshly minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
  • fresh parsley or extra lemon slices for garnish if desired

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken dry, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and rosemary in a shallow dish.
  • Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated, then marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet with the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, optionally finishing in the oven if pieces are thick.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside, then add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisk in the cornstarch slurry if using, and cook until slightly thickened. Squeeze in the juice of the remaining lemon, then taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving

  • Return the chicken to the pan to coat with sauce or spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon slices if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps create a thicker sauce consistency. Adjust lemon juice to your preference for a brighter or subtler lemon flavor.