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Lemon Chicken (with Lemon Butter Sauce) Recipe

Tender chicken fillets cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, creating a bright and flavorful dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for more manageable pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each piece until they’re uniform in thickness. This helps ensure even cooking, so your chicken comes out perfectly juicy every time.

2. Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant blend is going to be your chicken's first coating, giving it a savory base to complement the tangy lemon sauce later.

3. Step 3: Combine the Parmesan Mixture
   In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and flour. This combination is what makes the chicken crispy and flavorful, so make sure it's well-distributed. You’re looking for a coating that will stick well to the egg-washed chicken pieces.

4. Step 4: Coat the Chicken
   Dip each chicken slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then let any excess drip off. Next, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any surplus; too much coating can burn rather than crisp up.

5. Step 5: Cook the Chicken
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, frying them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’ll want to see a nice golden-brown color and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, so keep an eye on it unless you want a too-crispy surprise.

6. Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant. It’s a good idea to keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn—nothing ruins a sauce like bitter garlic.

7. Step 7: Finish the Sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and add a pinch of ground black pepper into the saucepan. Allow this to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aroma will be irresistibly fresh and tangy, signaling it’s nearly ready.

8. Step 8: Serve the Chicken
   Place your cooked chicken onto a serving platter, then drizzle that lovely lemon butter sauce over the top. Turn the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly, making sure each bite gets some of that zesty goodness.

9. Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy
   To make it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, garnish your dish with slices of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor profile with a hint of freshness. Now, gather around and enjoy this delightful lemon chicken with friends or family!

Notes

Cooking up this Lemon Chicken delight can be a breeze, but a few hiccups can sneak in. One common mistake is not pounding the chicken evenly. It might seem trivial, but it leads to uneven cooking, leaving some parts dry and others undercooked. A gentle hand with the meat mallet does the trick, ensuring uniform thickness.

Another pitfall is overcooking. It’s easy to get distracted, and before you know it, the chicken’s as tough as old boots. Keep that Instant Read Thermometer handy—165˚F is the magic number for juicy perfection.

And let’s not forget about the sauce. Burning the garlic while melting the butter can happen faster than you think. Low and slow is key here; keep an eye on it to maintain its fragrant goodness.

Lastly, some folks skip seasoning the chicken properly. A well-seasoned base makes all the difference, so don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. It’s these little attentions to detail that elevate your dish from good to unforgettable!