Lemon Chicken With Thyme(Makes 4 Servings)
Lemon Chicken With Thyme offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts with zesty lemon and aromatic thyme, perfect for a quick, hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a plastic bag, shake together flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and shake to coat.
- Remove chicken and reserve excess flour.
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.
- Brown chicken on one side for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining oil; turn the chicken and brown well on the other side.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in margarine and cook until melted.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add thyme and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Serve hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and thyme for a few hours before coating with flour. If you don't have thyme, dried oregano or rosemary can be good substitutes. You can also add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth. Make sure to let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Chicken With Thyme over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Orzo And Vegetables or a fresh green salad. For added brightness, garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals, covered, until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Chicken With Thyme(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 658 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking times will vary. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option, or use water combined with a bouillon cube for flavor. Homemade broth can also be used for a richer taste. Just ensure any substitute complements the lemon flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken until heated through. This can save time on busy weeknights or special occasions.
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).