Lemon Chicken: A Zesty and Flavorful Delight

Lemon chicken is a delightful and vibrant dish that takes ordinary chicken from bland to beautiful with zesty and refreshing flavors. The combination of chicken (cooked to be moist, not dry!) and the bright citrusy notes of lemon are not to be missed when it comes to quick weeknight meals. 

The Tangy and Refreshing Flavors of Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is a clear family dinner winner thanks to the star ingredient of lemon. It’s easy to find, and packs a vibrant citrusy punch without much effort, cutting through the richness of the chicken and livening up the whole dish. When you pair it with other savory notes, you’ll end up with a dish which is rich and satisfying without being overpowering. 

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Preparing Lemon Chicken

It’s easy to make lemon chicken, and the best part is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you go for a creamy version, an easy crispy chicken thigh tray bake and vegetables, an Asian-inspired lemon chicken dish with rice, or even a lemon chicken orzo soup.

Whichever you choose, there are some general rules you can follow to make the dish brighter and better than ever before.

– Citrus Infusion: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, slice a lemon and grill or pan-sear it alongside the chicken. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the cooked chicken for extra intensity.

– Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to add a layer of herbal freshness to your lemon chicken. Sprinkle chopped herbs over the cooked chicken just before serving to add another fresh element to your dish.

– Creamy Accompaniments: Serve lemon chicken with a dollop of tangy yogurt sauce or a side of creamy mashed potatoes to balance the tanginess of the lemon and make the meal feel more indulgent. 

Is Lemon Chicken Italian or French?

Lemon chicken is not specific to Italian or French cuisine but is enjoyed across various culinary traditions. While lemon is commonly used in Mediterranean and European cuisines, lemon chicken as a specific dish is popular in many cultures and has its own regional variations. In Mediterranean cuisine, lemon chicken dishes are commonly found in Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, each adding their unique twist to the flavors and preparation techniques.

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Is Lemon Chicken Healthy?

Generally, yes, it’s a healthy dish! Lemon chicken can certainly form part of a low calorie eating plan thanks to the fact that chicken is a lean meat packed with protein. Lemon is also a low calorie way to add flavor to your meals, and offers its fair share of vitamins too. 

However, try to opt for dishes made with broth or stock rather than cream and choose chicken breast where possible. Serving your lemon chicken dish with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables ramps up the healthy factor too. 

Looking for more healthy dinners? Check out our meals under 500 calories community.