Lemon Herb Chicken Delight
This comforting Lemon Herb Chicken Delight is a cherished recipe inspired by a college friend's mom. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The succulent chicken breasts are sautéed to perfection, then lovingly coated in a zesty lemon and herb-infused sauce, which adds brightness and flavor to every bite. Served over a fluffy bed of basmati rice, this dish brings a taste of home and nostalgia to your table. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
2 (cut into bite-size pieces)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
lemon
1 (juiced)
McCormick California-style lemon pepper
1.5 teaspoons
paprika
0.5 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, allowing for even cooking.
2
In a nonstick pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Ensure they remain moist but fully cooked.
3
After cooking the chicken, reduce the heat to low to prevent the sauce from burning.
4
Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and stir until melted, infusing the chicken with a rich flavor.
5
Sprinkle in the 1.5 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, stirring well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
6
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add 0.5 teaspoons of paprika. Stir the mixture to combine all flavors.
7
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, which will help it cling to the chicken.
8
Serve the lemon herb chicken hot over a warm bed of basmati rice, letting the delicious sauce soak into the rice for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Chicken Delight?
Lemon Herb Chicken Delight is a comforting, quick, and easy chicken dish inspired by a college friend's mom, featuring sautéed chicken breasts in a zesty lemon and herb sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 3 servings.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for approximately 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you should adjust the amount of additional salt added to taste later in the process.
What specific seasoning gives the dish its lemon flavor?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of McCormick California-style lemon pepper seasoning.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon.
What role does paprika play in this dish?
0.5 teaspoons of paprika are added to the sauce to enhance the flavor profile and color.
What is the recommended side dish for this chicken?
It is best served over a fluffy bed of warm basmati rice so the sauce can soak in.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.
Why should I reduce the heat before adding butter?
Reducing the heat to low prevents the butter and the resulting sauce from burning.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken, butter, lemon, lemon pepper, paprika, and salt.
Should I simmer the sauce?
Yes, allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly so it clings better to the chicken.
Can I adjust the level of seasoning?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of lemon pepper and salt based on your personal taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is versatile enough for both a solo meal or for impressing guests with its bright flavors.
What kind of pan should I use?
A nonstick pan is recommended for sautéing the chicken.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish made by a college friend's mother.
How do I ensure the chicken remains moist?
Cook it just until golden brown (5-7 minutes) and then lower the heat to finish with the sauce ingredients.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this dish.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is specified for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The current recipe data does not specify the exact calorie or fat content.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a nostalgic family recipe.
What should I do if I want a thicker sauce?
Simmering the sauce for a few extra minutes will help it thicken and concentrate the flavors.
What heat setting is used to cook the chicken initially?
The chicken is started over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
Is there salt in the lemon pepper seasoning?
Most lemon pepper blends contain salt, which is why the recipe suggests adding additional salt 'to taste' at the end.
Can I use chicken thighs?
The recipe specifies chicken breasts, but boneless chicken thighs could be substituted if you adjust the cooking time slightly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include lemon chicken, comfort food, college recipe, quick meal, chicken dinner, and basmati rice.
How is the final dish served?
It is served hot, poured directly over rice so the lemon-herb sauce can be absorbed.