Perfectly Balanced Lemon Chicken with Herbs

Are you looking for a simple yet delightful chicken dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves four people perfectly? This recipe for Lemon Chicken is an excellent choice, especially if you're hosting dinner guests or having a casual family meal. The freshness of the lemon and herbs complements the succulent chicken, making it a hit at your table.

The key to this dish's success lies in using fresh ingredients. You'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and juiciness, along with plenty of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for that bright citrusy flavor. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme add a delightful aroma and taste to the dish.

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces if desired. Squeeze one lemon over the chicken pieces to marinate them lightly for about 10 minutes, then set aside. While waiting for the lemon juice to do its magic, prepare your other ingredients.

Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle a small piece of butter. Melt some butter in it and add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry them until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, which should take about 12 minutes for an even cook time.

Once the chicken is done, remove from heat and set aside to rest. While you wait, finish preparing your side dish or vegetable of choice. Some popular accompaniments include steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes, but you can choose whatever best complements your dinner menu.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon for juice and zest
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme)
• Butter for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the seasoning, sprinkle a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper on your chicken. After removing the chicken from heat, return it to the pan with a bit more butter and cook until it's heated through.

Before serving, garnish each portion generously with fresh herbs. Squeeze some extra lemon juice over every serving for that final burst of flavor. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Cooking time: Approximately 30 minutesServings: 4

This Lemon Chicken is not only a visual delight but also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides protein essential for muscle repair and growth, while the lemon offers vitamin C that supports immunity. Fresh herbs are rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals.

If you're looking to vary this recipe or make it more substantial as part of your meal plan, consider adding some quinoa or rice to round out your plate. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The lemon chicken can be served warm or at room temperature and leftovers are equally delicious the next day.

For those interested in experimenting further, try using different types of lemons such as Meyer Lemon which has less acidity but retains that citrus flavor, or even adding some capers to give your dish a bit more complexity. You can also jazz up this dish by including olive oil and garlic for added depth and richness.

This versatile recipe allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're in the mood for something light during spring or a heartier meal in winter, lemon chicken with herbs is always a safe bet. Enjoy your cooking journey as you create this delightful dish!