Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken: Weeknight Winner!
Recipe Introduction: Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner? honestly, me too! this zesty lemon herb chicken recipe is one of my go-to quick and easy chicken recipes .
It's bursting with fresh, mediterranean flavors that'll brighten up any weeknight.
Brief Overview
This vibrant dish hails from the sunny shores of, well, my imagination, inspired by mediterranean cooking. it's super easy, taking about 25 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings perfect for a family dinner!
Main Benefits
Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, so this dish is good for you and tastes delicious. this zesty lemon herb chicken is perfect for a family dinner recipes with chicken or any occasion you need a good meals with chicken .
What makes it special? the bright lemon sauce and fresh herbs elevate simple chicken breasts to something truly special.
Time to Get Cooking
Fancy some dinners w chicken ? Alright, let's dive into the ingredients. It's all about keeping it simple and fresh.
Ingredients & Equipment For Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes
Ready to whip up some proper good dinners w chicken ? these recipes for dinner chicken breast are dead easy.
Here's what you'll need for my zesty lemon herb chicken, honestly one of my fave family dinner recipes with chicken !
Main Ingredients
Alright, listen up. This is important. For 4 servings, you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about ½ inch ( 1.25 cm ) thick. Get good quality, free range if you can find it. Honestly, you can taste the difference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, obviously. Don't be shy!
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) olive oil: Extra virgin, naturally.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best!
- ¼ cup ( 60ml ) chicken broth (low sodium preferred): I always keep a carton in the fridge.
- ¼ cup ( 60ml ) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons ): Squeeze 'em yourself!
- 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted butter: This adds a lovely richness.
- 2 tablespoons (packed) fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh is best here!
- 1 tablespoon (packed) fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Again, fresh!
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds that extra zing.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, if you like things spicy.
My nana always said "fresh is best" and she was always right! For this recipe, the fresher the herbs, the better the flavour.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic, lemon, and herbs a match made in heaven, right? this combo is essential. thyme and parsley are key, but dried oregano works as an excellent substitution if you are out of thyme!.
Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. good meals with chicken should be flavourful.
Equipment Needed
Right, let’s talk tools. Keep it simple, yeah?
- Large skillet (non-stick is your friend): Essential for searing the chicken.
- Cutting board and Chef's knife: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
- Lemon zester and Lemon juicer (optional): Makes life easier. A fork works as a zester, FYI.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Get them accurate!
Honestly, you don’t need fancy equipment. a good skillet and a sharp knife are your best mates in the kitchen.
Enjoy these easy 30 minute chicken recipes . with this equipment you can start creating simple chicken breast recipes and easy weeknight chicken dinners .
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken: Your Quick & Easy Chicken Recipes Savior!
Oh my gosh, are you ready for some seriously good chicken? this zesty lemon herb chicken is about to become your new go-to.
I swear, it's one of those quick and easy chicken recipes that feels fancy but is secretly dead simple. we're talking good meals with chicken on the table in under 30 minutes.
No sweat!
Prep Like a Pro
First, the mise en place , darling. get those 1.5 lbs chicken breasts out and give them a pat-down with paper towels.
Then, get your 4 cloves of garlic minced, lemons juiced (you'll need about ¼ cup), and those herbs chopped 2 tablespoons of parsley and 1 tablespoon of thyme.
Don't forget that 1 teaspoon lemon zest. honestly, having everything ready to go makes life so much easier. it is an easy weeknight chicken dinners recipe.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
- Season those chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . This is important! Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Watch out, burnt garlic is not your friend.
- Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of lemon juice, scraping up those yummy browned bits from the pan. Simmer time.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon zest (and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you're feeling spicy).
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that glorious sauce all over. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Dinners W Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. It helps them cook faster and more evenly. No one wants dry chicken.
Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Use fresh lemon juice. seriously, bottled stuff is just not the same, and for sure the recipe will not be one of the family dinner recipes with chicken that everyone wants.
You know?
So, there you have it. recipes for dinner chicken breast doesn't get much easier (or tastier) than this. this simple chicken breast recipes will be a success, and the best thing, it's totally adaptable.
Not a fan of thyme? try oregano. no parsley? cilantro works too. make it your own! enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits. you know? the stuff that makes this zesty lemon herb chicken really shine.
This section is all about making your cooking experience as smooth as butter.
Serving Up the Sunshine
Right, so presentation . honestly, i'm no michelin star chef. i like to keep it real. simply pop the chicken on a plate.
Drizzle extra sauce over it. job done. however, if you are going for fancy, slice the chicken. fan it out artfully.
Sprinkle with parsley. we love roasted asparagus with this chicken. it's just a classic. a fresh quinoa salad is also a winner for the health conscious.
And let’s not forget garlic bread because, well, garlic bread! don't forget a crisp white wine for the adults.
Storing the Goodness
Life happens. sometimes you have leftovers. pop that chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for up to 3 days .
If you're thinking long term, freezing is an option. just let it cool completely first. when you are ready for good meals with chicken get it out from the freezer and thaw overnight.
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth. the microwave works in a pinch.
Mix it Up a Bit
Fancy a change? swap out the parsley for cilantro. instant mexican vibe! are you dairy-free? no worries. use olive oil instead of butter.
It is equally delicious. for a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. it will add a great depth of flavor.
Alternatively substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, or if there is no thyme, try use dried oregano! these are all great dinners with chicken
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, i'm not a nutritionist. each serving clocks in at about 350 calories . you are getting a whopping 45g of protein .
That's great news for muscles. there’s 15g of fat . just a little. and about 5g of carbs . these are estimates of course.
They will vary depending on your ingredients. this chicken is packed with protein. it's also a good source of vitamins from the lemon and herbs.
So it is a family dinner recipes with chicken to remember!.
This recipe brings a burst of mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. so what are you waiting for? give it a go.
I bet you'll love it! these quick and easy chicken recipes are a lifesaver on busy weeknights!. this is one of the easy weeknight chicken dinners to keep in the memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these quick and easy chicken recipes even faster on a busy weeknight?
To speed things up, prep your ingredients beforehand! Chop the herbs, mince the garlic, and measure out the lemon juice in the morning or the night before. You can also buy pre-cut chicken breasts. It's like having your own sous chef nearly!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for these quick and easy chicken recipes?
Absolutely, but you'll need to thaw them completely first. Thawing in the fridge overnight is the safest bet, or you can use the cold water method for a faster defrost. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking, otherwise you'll end up steaming it rather than searing it for that lovely golden colour.
What's the best way to store leftover lemon herb chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through avoid overcooking, or it will dry out.
It's perfect for lunch the next day, sliced on a salad or tucked into a sandwich, a bit like a fancy chicken butty!
Is there a dairy-free or gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, it's easy to adapt! For a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double check your chicken broth to ensure it doesn't contain any hidden gluten. It's so simple even Delia Smith could make it.
How can I add more flavour to this dish?
Get creative with your herbs! Try adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a more complex flavour profile. A little bit of Dijon mustard in the sauce can also add a tangy kick. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own signature dish!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for these quick and easy chicken recipes?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, as they tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs usually take a bit longer to cook than breasts. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Weeknight Winner
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
