Cuisine : Lemon Chicken - Steps to prepare this chinese dish

 

Lemon chicken is a popular dish known for its bright, zesty flavor and tender, juicy meat. It typically features chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then seared and baked to perfection. The dish is often served with a tangy lemon sauce, which adds a refreshing citrus kick. Lemon chicken is versatile, pairing well with various side dishes like rice, vegetables, or salads, making it a favorite in many households for its simplicity and delightful taste.

Lemon Chicken Recipe

#### Ingredients:

- **Chicken**:

  - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- **Marinade**:

  - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - 3 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  - Salt and pepper to taste

- **Sauce**:

  - 1/2 cup chicken broth

  - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  - 2 tablespoons honey

  - 2 tablespoons butter

  - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

- **Garnish**:

  - Fresh parsley, chopped

  - Lemon slices

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Marinade**:

   - In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   - Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. **Cook the Chicken**:

   - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   - Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil if needed.

   - Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. **Prepare the Sauce**:

   - In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

   - Stir in the butter until melted and smooth.

   - If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry and gradually add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.

4. **Combine and Serve**:

   - Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

   - Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken.

   - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.

   - Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

### Tips:

- **Marinating Time**: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. However, do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibers too much.

- **Cooking Method**: If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.

- **Serving Suggestions**: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even over a bed of pasta.

Enjoy your lemon chicken!