What To Know
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, add the chicken to the saucepan with the lemon sauce.
- To reheat lemon chicken in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
- To reheat lemon chicken on the stovetop, add it to a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing lemon chicken recipe, a dish that captures the essence of freshness and flavor without the use of breading. This delectable dish combines the zesty tang of lemon with succulent chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of this citrusy delight, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the lemon sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade ingredients (lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, add the chicken to the saucepan with the lemon sauce.
- Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that is essential for this recipe.
- Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure to cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it is simmering.
- Serve Immediately: Lemon chicken is best served immediately after cooking to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Some good options include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Use Different Herbs: If you don’t have oregano or thyme on hand, you can use other herbs like rosemary, basil, or marjoram.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Serve with Different Sides: Feel free to serve lemon chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Leftover lemon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze lemon chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: To reheat lemon chicken in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: To reheat lemon chicken on the stovetop, add it to a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
“No Breading, No Problem”: Embracing the Simplicity of Lemon Chicken
This lemon chicken recipe without breading showcases the natural flavors of the chicken and the bright citrusy tang of lemon. By eliminating the breading, you can enjoy a healthier and lighter version of this classic dish without compromising on taste. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are a darker meat and have a richer flavor, but they take a little longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to overnight. However, it is best to cook the chicken just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze lemon chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze lemon chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
