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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Chicken features juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with zesty fresh lemon juice, savory garlic, vibrant herbs, and a bright, tangy sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent. This quick and easy recipe offers a refreshing and versatile meal perfect for any weeknight, delivering balanced flavors that satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on or skinless
  • 2 fresh lemons, juiced and sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (for a spicy kick)
  • Swapped herbs: cilantro or basil (for herb switch-up)
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus (for vegetable boost)
  • 1 teaspoon natural honey or maple syrup (for sweet and tangy flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper. This ensures crispy skin and juicy meat during cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side briefly for color.
  3. Create the Lemon Sauce: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Sprinkle the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to help thicken the sauce.
  4. Simmer and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over each piece, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently until chicken is cooked through and sauce is rich and glossy, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and arrange lemon slices on top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes (plant-based), or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and tender texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning and best texture.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Adjust apple cider vinegar and lemon juice quantities to control tanginess to your taste.
  • Let cooked chicken rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy dinner, quick chicken, gluten free chicken, citrus chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://familycookspot.com/lemon-chicken/