Pollo al Limone (Italian Lemon Chicken)

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Pollo al Limone

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Cutting board, sharp knife, large skillet or frying pan, tongs, zester, and lemon juicer.

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
• Prepare the Chicken
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully.
• Season each breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Sear the Chicken
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
• Sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This adds a lovely crust to the chicken and locks in the flavors.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce
• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, stirring it for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
• Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Return the Chicken to the Pan
• Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the lemon sauce over each piece.
• Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Finish with Butter and Garnish
• Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor and a bit of creaminess in the sauce.
• Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken, and if desired, garnish with a few lemon slices.
• Let Stand and Serve
• Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken stand for 5 minutes. This rest period helps the flavors settle and the chicken remain juicy.
• Serve the Pollo al Limone hot, with a generous drizzle of the lemon sauce over each piece.
• Variations and Tips:
• Add Capers: For a bit of briny flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of capers to the sauce when you add the broth and lemon juice.
• Swap with Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Add White Wine: Replace 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with white wine for a slightly deeper flavor profile.
• Herb Substitution: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a unique twist.
• Low-Calorie Option: Use a non-stick spray instead of olive oil and skip the butter to reduce the calories. The sauce will still be flavorful without these additions.

Keyword Pollo, Pollo al Limone

If you’re looking for an Italian dish that’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, Pollo al Limone, or Lemon Chicken, is a classic choice. It’s light yet bursting with lemony freshness, perfect for impressing at a dinner party or simply bringing a touch of Italy into your kitchen. From my own personal experience, this dish is a beautiful balance of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken. Let me show you how I make Pollo al Limone with a recipe that’s straightforward, beginner-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

Notes on What to Expect:

Expect tender, juicy chicken infused with vibrant lemon flavor and a hint of garlic. The sauce is light and refreshing, making it perfect for serving alongside simple sides like roasted vegetables, pasta, or even a light salad. The lemon adds brightness, while the butter creates a luxurious texture in the sauce that coats each bite.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving
• Estimated Cost: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main
• Equipment Needed: Cutting board, sharp knife, large skillet or frying pan, tongs, zester, and lemon juicer.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pollo al limone  now.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon slices for garnish
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pollo al limone  now.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully.
   • Season each breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
   • Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
   • Sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This adds a lovely crust to the chicken and locks in the flavors.
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, stirring it for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
   • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan
   • Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the lemon sauce over each piece.
   • Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Finish with Butter and Garnish
   • Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor and a bit of creaminess in the sauce.
   • Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken, and if desired, garnish with a few lemon slices.
6. Let Stand and Serve
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken stand for 5 minutes. This rest period helps the flavors settle and the chicken remain juicy.
   • Serve the Pollo al Limone hot, with a generous drizzle of the lemon sauce over each piece.

Variations and Tips:

• Add Capers: For a bit of briny flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of capers to the sauce when you add the broth and lemon juice.
• Swap with Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Add White Wine: Replace 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with white wine for a slightly deeper flavor profile.
• Herb Substitution: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a unique twist.
• Low-Calorie Option: Use a non-stick spray instead of olive oil and skip the butter to reduce the calories. The sauce will still be flavorful without these additions.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs:

• Dairy-Free: Skip the butter or replace it with a dairy-free substitute.
• Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free if using store-bought.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pollo al limone  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 22g
• Sodium: 550mg

Closing:

I hope this guide has made making Pollo al Limone seem a little less daunting! Have you tried this classic Italian dish before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Enjoy cooking, and buon appetito!