Chicken Limone is a delicious Italian-inspired dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and tangy lemon-butter sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and capers (if using). Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow it to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Tips for making Chicken Limone :
Use Fresh Herbs: While parsley is commonly used, you can also add fresh thyme or basil to the dish for added aroma and flavor.
Zest It Up: Add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce to intensify the lemon flavor. It will add a bright and fresh note.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens.
Grill the Chicken: For a slightly different texture and flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them. Then, pour the lemon-butter sauce over the grilled chicken.
Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with Chicken Limone. The acidity of the vinaigrette complements the lemon sauce, balancing the dish.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the citrusy flavors of Chicken Limone. The acidity in the wine complements the lemony sauce without overpowering it.
Variations:
Chicken Limone Piccata:
- To make this into Chicken Piccata, add more capers and a bit of white wine to the sauce. Piccata typically has a slightly brinier taste, thanks to the capers.
Chicken Limone Alfredo:
- For a richer version, add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon-butter sauce. This turns the sauce into a creamy lemon Alfredo that pairs wonderfully with fettuccine.
Vegetable Add-ins:
- You can add vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or mushrooms to the sauce. Sauté them after cooking the chicken and before making the sauce for a heartier meal.
Breaded Chicken Limone:
- For extra crunch, bread the chicken with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan before frying. This adds a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve Chicken Limone over angel hair or fettuccine pasta, drizzled with extra sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side, absorbing the lemony sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Special Occasions:
- Dinner Party: Chicken Limone makes a great centerpiece for an elegant dinner party. Serve it with roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, and pair it with a well-chosen wine for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Romantic Dinner: The lemony brightness of this dish makes it a great option for a romantic dinner. Set the table with candles, and consider making individual portions of Chicken Limone served with a side of buttery pasta or risotto.
- Family Gathering: This dish can easily be scaled up to serve a larger group. Prepare the chicken in advance, and then warm it in the oven just before serving with the sauce poured over the top.