Chicken And Lemon

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy chicken breasts infused with aromatic rosemary, garlic, and lemon create a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 sprig rosemary or pinch of dry rosemary
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • pinch of dry sage
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add minced garlic, rosemary sprig (or pinch of dry), and dry sage.
  3. Cook until garlic is soft.
  4. Remove the rosemary sprig.
  5. Add chicken breasts to the skillet.
  6. Cook until browned on both sides.
  7. Pour in lemon juice.
  8. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  9. Spoon juices over chicken before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or oregano can be great substitutes. Add a splash of white wine for depth and complexity. Pairing with vegetables, such as zucchini or asparagus, can enhance the dish's freshness, making it reminiscent of Mediterranean recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken alongside a refreshing salad or over a bed of rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Zucchini Soup for a light and vibrant meal. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in short intervals to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken And Lemon contains roughly 907 calories, with 23g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

907 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.2g 46% DV
Total Fat 42.5g 54% DV
Carbs 109.6g 40% DV
Fiber 6.1g 22% DV
Sugar 9.5g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1252.2mg 54% DV
Potassium 648.4mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 9.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.7mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 103.8mg 8% DV
Iron 11.3mg 63% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You may also want to cover the skillet to help cook it evenly.

What can I substitute for olive oil?

If you need a substitute for olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil can work well. They both have a high smoke point, making them suitable for cooking at medium-high heat. Just keep in mind that they might not add the same rich flavor as olive oil.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken dish is great for meal prep. Cook in advance, store in portions, and pair with sides like steamed vegetables or grains. It keeps well and can be reheated easily, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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