Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken usually consists of pieces of chicken meat that are sautéed or deep-fried and coated with a thick, sweet lemon-flavored sauce. The Chinese restaurant at the Panda Hotel in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, used to serve its version of Lemon Chicken with the chicken pieces coated in batter, then rolled in almond slivers and deep-fried, and served with the lemon-glaze sauce.

In our recipe, simple flavour additions don’t overpower the dish and the natural flavor of the chicken is allowed to shine. The short ingredient list also makes for a level of ease that allows this dinner to come together in no time at all, which is perfect for a busy weeknight. Pair this dish with crisp veggies and a side of rice for a delicious dinner that your family is sure to love.

Health Benefits

1. Lemons Boost Your Vitamin C. We all know that citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and lemons are no exception. One lemon contains more than 50% of our recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Of course nobody is going to eat a whole lemon plain but using it in recipes can go a long way towards meeting your daily requirements.
2. It’s Heart Healthy. There’s a lot of research showing lemon’s protective effect on the heart and circulatory system. One compound in particular, called “limonin” may reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol.

Ingredients

4 skinned and boned chicken breasts: 1 1/2 lb

salt: 1 tsp

pepper: 1/2 tsp

all-purpose flour: 1/3 cup

butter--divided: 4 tbsp

olive oil--divided: 2 tbsp

chicken broth: 1/4 cup

lemon Juice: 1/4 cup

lemon slices: 8

fresh flat-leaf parsley: 1/4 cup

How To Make Lemon Chicken

1. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise.
2. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet.
3. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Lightly dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Melt 1 tbsp. butter with 1 tbsp.
6. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Cook half of chicken in skillet 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and done.
8. Transfer chicken to a serving platter, and keep warm.
9. Repeat procedure with 1 tbsp. butter and remaining olive oil and chicken.
10. Add broth and lemon juice to skillet, and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet.
11. Add 8 lemon slices. Remove skillet from heat; add parsley and remaining 2 tbsp. butter, and stir until butter melts. Pour sauce over chicken.
12. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Recipe Notes

This chicken dish would pair well with sautéed asparagus, green beans (haricots verts), or even broccoli. Trivia Bartenders usually put a slice of lemon in a glass of Coca Cola to add a little extra flavor. Today, the British Navy requires all ships to carry enough lemons so that every sailor can have an ounce of juice a day.