Lightening Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with Lightening Chicken, a fast and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This recipe transforms juicy, seared boneless chicken breasts into a zesty masterpiece by pairing them with a velvety lemon-garlic sauce enriched with honey and fresh thyme. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed dish bursting with citrusy freshness, balanced sweetness, and fragrant herbs. The thickened sauce clings beautifully to the tender chicken, while optional fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Ideal served over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or atop a crisp salad, this one-pan recipe is simplicity and elegance rolled into one. Keywords: quick chicken recipes, lemon chicken, easy weeknight meals, skillet chicken, light and healthy dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick) for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the skillet while stirring continuously. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1540 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.2 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2260 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.6 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 220.3 g | 441% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 145 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 2157 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
