Quick Lemon Chicken Breast with Herb Sauce

This efficient method for lemon chicken breast with a zesty herb sauce is designed for your busiest evenings, requiring minimal active cooking time. It offers a straightforward approach to creating a flavourful dinner without any unnecessary fuss, perfect when you’re seeking a quick yet satisfying solution. The pan-searing of the chicken is highly efficient, and the accompanying sauce is crafted using the pan’s fond, ensuring maximum flavour development in mere moments. This recipe proves that delicious, wholesome meals can effortlessly fit into a demanding schedule, bringing a touch of culinary satisfaction to your plate with ease.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (approx. 6.3-7 oz (180-200g) each)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 4.2 fl oz (120ml) vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp if dried)
• Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• (Optional) ½ tsp cornflour, for thickening

Method

1. Lightly pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of baking paper to an even thickness, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, covered, to rest.
4. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
5. Deglaze the pan with the vegetable stock and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the delicious flavours. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornflour in 1 tbsp of cold water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.
7. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper as needed. Slice the chicken breasts or serve whole, generously drizzled with the lemon and herb sauce.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the chicken immediately with its sauce, accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or basmati rice. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat to maintain the tenderness of the chicken.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

This recipe exemplifies how a simple chicken breast can be transformed with a quick, flavourful sauce. SmartKitchen30 aims to provide reliable meals that effortlessly integrate into your busy week, ensuring stress-free cooking and balanced routines. With just a few ingredients and an efficient method, you can always enjoy something special.