Imagine yourself savoring a delicious and flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet – a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This mouthwatering recipe takes you on a culinary journey, guiding you through every step with precision. From marinating the succulent chicken breasts in a tangy lemon herb mixture to searing them to perfection in a sizzling skillet, this dish is a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
To make Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Aim for two chicken breasts, around 6-8 ounces each, to serve two people.
Lemons
You will need fresh lemons to add a burst of citrus flavor to the dish. Aim for two lemons – one for squeezing juice and one for zesting.
Fresh herbs
Opt for a combination of fresh herbs to give your chicken a vibrant and aromatic taste. Some popular options include parsley, thyme, rosemary, and basil.
Olive oil
Olive oil will be used for both marinating the chicken and cooking it in the skillet. It adds a rich, smooth flavor to the dish.
Garlic
Mince a few cloves of garlic to bring a savory undertone to the chicken. Garlic pairs wonderfully with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs.
Salt and pepper
Season your chicken with salt and pepper to taste. These classic spices enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Onion
Chop a small onion to add a mild, sweet taste and texture to the dish. It will complement the chicken and other ingredients perfectly.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth will be used to deglaze the skillet and create a flavorful sauce. Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the saltiness of the dish.
Butter
To add a luxurious touch to the sauce, swirl in some butter at the end of the cooking process. It will help to thicken the sauce and give it a silky texture.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients properly. Here’s what you need to do:
Preparing the chicken breasts
Begin by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or gristle and place them on a cutting board.
Squeezing and zesting lemons
Roll the lemons on a hard surface to release the juice. Cut one of the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl, removing any seeds. Use a zester or a fine grater to zest the other lemon, collecting the fragrant zest in a separate container.
Chopping fresh herbs
Gather your preferred fresh herbs and finely chop them. Remove the herb leaves from the stems before chopping, ensuring you have approximately one tablespoon of each herb.
Mincing garlic
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You can use a garlic press or a sharp knife to achieve the desired consistency.
Chopping onions
Peel the small onion and chop it into small, even pieces. This will help the onion cook evenly and distribute its sweetness throughout the dish.
Marinating the Chicken
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor infusion. Follow these steps:
Seasoning the chicken breasts
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Ensure that you season each breast evenly for balanced flavors.
Marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs on top, and then carefully turn the chicken to coat both sides. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Follow these steps:
Preparing the skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat for a minute until shimmering. This will create a non-stick surface for the chicken.
Pan-searing the chicken breasts
Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the dish or bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken in the hot skillet, smooth side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken breasts using tongs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
Adding onions and garlic
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, followed by the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Deglazing the pan with chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and garlic, using a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This process, known as deglazing, will release the flavorful remnants and incorporate them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finishing Touches
To add the final touches and elevate the flavors of the Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet, follow these steps:
Adding lemon zest and juice
Add the zest from the second lemon to the skillet and squeeze in the juice as well. This will give the dish an extra pop of lemon flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and herbs.
Stirring in fresh herbs
Add the remaining chopped fresh herbs to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce. This will infuse the sauce with their aromatic qualities and enhance the overall taste.
Swirling in butter
Cut a small piece of butter and add it to the skillet, gently swirling it around until it melts. The butter will enrich the sauce, adding a velvety texture and depth of flavor.
Adjusting seasoning
Taste the sauce and season it with additional salt and pepper if needed. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences to achieve a perfectly balanced dish.
Serving the Lemon Herb Chicken
Once the Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet is ready, it’s time to serve it in a visually appealing and appetizing way. Follow these steps:
Plating the chicken breasts
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the flavorful sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
Garnishing with herbs and lemon slices
Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top of the chicken to garnish it. You can also add a few lemon slices as a decorative touch, showcasing the dish’s citrusy essence.
Serving suggestions
Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Additionally, you can serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you personalize and experiment with the Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet recipe:
Grilling option
If you prefer smoky flavors, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them. Brush the chicken with olive oil, then place it on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Follow the remaining steps of the recipe to create the flavorful sauce.
Citrus variations
Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits to add unique flavors to the dish. Grapefruit, oranges, or limes can be used in place of lemons, or you can even combine multiple citrus fruits for a medley of flavors.
Vegetable additions
Add depth and texture to the dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be sautéed alongside the onions and garlic or roasted separately and served as a side dish.
Sauce ideas
For an extra burst of flavor, consider experimenting with different sauces. You can whisk together some dijon mustard and honey to drizzle over the chicken or create a creamy garlic sauce to serve on the side.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet:
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so adjust it accordingly.
Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh?
While fresh herbs are recommended for optimal flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if necessary. Use approximately one-third of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. Remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so adjust to taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, avoid marinating for more than 2 hours, as prolonged exposure to acidic ingredients like lemon juice can make the chicken tough.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet immediately after cooking for the freshest flavors, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through, and enjoy it all over again.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Skillet. With its bright and zesty flavors and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, citrus variations, and side dishes to make it your own. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the skillet or as leftovers, savor every moment and embrace the versatility this recipe offers. Happy cooking!