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Lemon Chicken Skillet with Lemon Zest and Parsley Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

This zesty Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets cooked to perfection and finished with a bright, buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, garlic, and parsley to create a dish that's both refreshing and comforting.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water, white wine, or chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 lemon cut in slices (wheels)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the raw chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then slice each breast lengthwise to create two thinner cutlets per breast, yielding four pieces total.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking. Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet without moving them and cook for 7-8 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip the cutlets and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Make the Pan Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the pan juices behind. Add the lemon juice and your choice of water, white wine, or chicken stock to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to enrich the sauce.
  5. Finish the Dish: Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them and warming them gently on low heat. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken, then sprinkle with lemon zest and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest rather than bottled lemon products.
  • To ensure juicy chicken, do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
  • You can substitute chicken stock or white wine depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
  • If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check for clear juices indicating doneness.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/lemon-chicken-skillet-with-lemon-zest-and-parsley-recipe/