What To Know
- Serve the lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Serve the lemon chicken on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and light meal.
- For those who prefer a less tangy flavor, here’s a variation of the lemon chicken recipe without the lemon.
Craving a zesty and flavorful chicken dish that can be conveniently stored for future meals? Look no further than our Lemon Chicken Recipe to Freeze. This tantalizing recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs with tender chicken, creating a dish that is both satisfying and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, garlic, oregano, and paprika.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Pour the lemon sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or roasted vegetables.
6. Freeze for Later:
- Allow the lemon chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. Reheating Instructions:
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen lemon chicken in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips for Freezing Lemon Chicken
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Ensure that the containers you use to store the lemon chicken are airtight and freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date the Containers: Clearly label and date the containers with the contents and the date they were frozen to keep track of their freshness.
- Freeze in Smaller Portions: Divide the lemon chicken into smaller portions before freezing to make it easier to thaw and reheat individual servings.
- Thaw Properly: Thaw the frozen lemon chicken slowly in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours before reheating.
Variations on the Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken: Double the amount of garlic in the recipe for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a variety of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, to the lemon sauce for an aromatic twist.
- Lemon Butter Chicken: Stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end of cooking for a rich and creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve the lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the lemon chicken with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini, for a healthy and colorful side dish.
- Pasta: Toss the lemon chicken with cooked pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavorful pasta dish.
- Salad: Serve the lemon chicken on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and light meal.
Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken
- Immune System Booster: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
- Heart-Healthy: The unsaturated fats in olive oil can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Garlic and oregano contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
- Low in Calories: This recipe is relatively low in calories, making it a healthier choice for weight management.
“No-Lemon” Lemon Chicken Recipe
For those who prefer a less tangy flavor, here’s a variation of the lemon chicken recipe without the lemon:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Instructions:
1. Follow steps 1-2 of the original lemon chicken recipe to prepare and cook the chicken.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, garlic, oregano, and paprika.
3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: How long can I store the frozen lemon chicken?
A: The frozen lemon chicken can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Q: What is the best way to reheat the frozen lemon chicken?
A: The best way to reheat the frozen lemon chicken is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours before reheating it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
