Zingy Lemon Chicken Recipe: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite

Crafting a delightful lemon chicken recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a zesty culinary adventure.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this bright, tangy dish.

Succulent chicken breasts shine when marinated in fresh citrus and herbs.

Garlic and olive oil create a simple yet profound flavor foundation.

Each bite promises a refreshing twist that surprises the palate.

Tender meat infused with citrusy notes will make you the star of any meal.

Come savor this effortless recipe that brings sunshine to your plate.

Why James Martin Lemon Chicken Is Fresh And Zesty

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Dive into a zesty lemon chicken that bursts with tangy, rich flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare this restaurant-quality dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A versatile recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings or serving with different sides, giving you the flexibility to make it your own signature dish.

Everything You Need For James Martin Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that serve as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, savory outer layer to the chicken.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the coating stick to the chicken.

• Butter, Garlic: Create a rich and aromatic base for the lemon sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of the sauce and provides moisture.
• Black Pepper: Offers a subtle warmth and spiciness to the dish.

• Lemon Slices, Fresh Parsley: Provide a fresh, colorful finish to the chicken.

How To Make James Martin Lemon Chicken Step By Step

Step 1: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating two thinner pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness throughout.

Step 2: Create Coating Mixtures

• Whisked eggs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Dredge Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to the parmesan mixture, pressing gently to create a crispy coating.

Step 4: Pan-Fry Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust heat if chicken browns too quickly.

Step 5: Craft Lemon Sauce

• Fresh lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Cracked black pepper

Simmer sauce for approximately 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Pour lemon sauce over cooked chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips To Get James Martin Lemon Chicken Just Right

• Pound Evenly: Gently flatten chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Prevent Burning: Lower heat if chicken browns too quickly to avoid burning while maintaining crispy exterior.
• Sauce Timing: Add lemon sauce right before serving to preserve bright, fresh flavor and prevent sauce from becoming too reduced.
• Temperature Check: Use instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle fresh parsley and lemon slices just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add zesty freshness.

Creative Twists On James Martin Lemon Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Replace parmesan with a mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a more aromatic coating.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute lemon juice with white wine and add capers to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Baked Version: Instead of pan-frying, place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier cooking method.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Lemon Chicken

• Zesty Wine Complement: Pair this lemon chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity matches the dish's citrusy notes perfectly.
• Herbal Side Kick: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette, creating a balanced and refreshing accompaniment that cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Add crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious garlic-lemon sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with its tangy undertones.
• Bright Beverage Boost: Choose a sparkling water with lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites, complementing the chicken's vibrant flavor profile.

How To Store James Martin Lemon Chicken Properly

• Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent soggy coating.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying. Drizzle extra sauce to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About James Martin Lemon Chicken

• Why should I use a meat mallet to pound the chicken?

Pounding chicken ensures even thickness, which helps it cook uniformly and prevents dry or undercooked sections, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese in the coating?

Parmesan works best for creating a crispy exterior, but you can experiment with romano or asiago cheese for similar results while maintaining the recipe’s flavor profile.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents foodborne illness.

Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean zest elevates this lemon chicken recipe with tangy citrus and herbaceous notes. Succulent chicken marinated in garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, (2 large), patted dry with paper towels
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Flour:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Liquids and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, to sautée
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon, sliced for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon parsley, to garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing horizontally, then gently flatten to uniform thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare two separate mixing vessels: one for the egg mixture and another for the parmesan coating, whisking and combining ingredients thoroughly.
3. Dredge each chicken piece through the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage, then generously coat with the parmesan mixture, allowing excess to fall away naturally.
4. Warm a large skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken into the pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, adjusting heat if browning occurs too quickly.
5. In a separate saucepan, infuse butter with minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and cracked black pepper, simmering for approximately 2 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Transfer cooked chicken to the prepared sauce, gently turning to ensure complete coating. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and finely chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Chicken Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken breasts evenly ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Egg Wash Secret: Let the egg mixture sit for a minute before coating to help the parmesan mixture adhere better to the chicken.
• Temperature Control: Watch the skillet heat carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the chicken.
• Sauce Timing: Make the lemon sauce while the chicken cooks to maximize flavor infusion and serve the dish piping hot.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the parmesan coating for an extra flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 594 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 54 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg