Description
Culinary magic unfolds with luxurious lemon-garlic chicken, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that dances with zesty flavors and silky textures. Crisp chicken breasts nestled in a velvety sauce promise a gourmet experience that will transport diners straight to coastal kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Liquid Ingredients:
- 170 milliliters (1/2 cup) chicken broth or warm water
- 170 milliliters (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 handful parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking environment for perfect golden searing.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 5-6 minutes per side until a deep golden brown color emerges.
- Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful browned bits in the skillet for the sauce foundation.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped shallots into the same skillet, releasing their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, vigorously scraping the bottom to incorporate all concentrated flavor compounds.
- Introduce heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a whisper of nutmeg, creating a luxurious and velvety sauce.
- Gently return chicken to the simmering sauce, allowing it to cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken reaches perfect internal temperature.
- Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness before cooking for consistent doneness and juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize the recipe by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg