Craving a burst of sunshine on your dinner plate? Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering Italian masterpiece with Pollo al Limone! This zesty, golden-brown chicken dish promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of Italy, delivering a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat that will make your family beg for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken breasts and reduce heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour fresh lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to create a flavorful sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the lemon-garlic sauce over the breasts to coat evenly and reheat.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
Tips
- • Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) • Don't rush the browning process - medium-high heat is key to achieving that beautiful crispy exterior • Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference, so avoid bottled lemon juice if possible • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan sauce • Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best results • Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 110mg
