Lemon Chicken
Try this Lemon Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lemon Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- chicken thighs – 1 kg skin-on, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat [i used skinless chicken thighs
- mustard powder – 3/4 tbsp
- lemon zest – 1 tsp + 2 tsp
- dried oregano – 1 tsp
- dried thyme – 1/2 tsp
- salt – 1/4 tsp
- olive oil – 2 tbsp
- lemon juice – 1/4 cup
- chicken stock – 1 cup [you can substitute it with
- garlic – 4 cloves minced
- unsalted butter – 1 tbsp
- all-purpose flour – 1 tbsp
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C (400 F).
- Make rub for the chicken by combining mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small bowl.
- Coat the chicken pieces on both sides with the mustard rub.
- In another small bowl, combine remaining lemon zest, lemon juice and the chicken stock. Set aside.
- Heat remaining oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken to the hot garlic-infused oil and cook for a couple of minutes until the chicken has turned golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and then add the lemon juice mixture which you had prepared earlier.
- Stir and slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 79 degrees C (175 F).
- Take out the pan from oven, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. There should still be liquid in the pan.
- Place the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix butter and flour together using your fingers and make a dry, crumbly paste. This is called ‘Roux’ (pronounced as ‘RUE’) which basically acts as a thickening agent.
- Whisk this flour and butter mixture into the sauce. The sauce will thicken and look glossy.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, give a final boil and serve hot.
My Simple, Yet Elegant Lemon Chicken
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. I need recipes that are both delicious and quick to prepare, leaving me more time to focus on my family and my demanding career. This Lemon Chicken recipe perfectly fits the bill. It's elegant enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The vibrant lemon flavor brightens the chicken beautifully, and the creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There's no need for exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. The process is straightforward, allowing even the most novice cook to achieve restaurant-quality results. I often find myself adapting recipes to suit my needs and taste preferences. Sometimes I'll substitute skinless chicken thighs for skin-on, depending on what I have on hand. The recipe is flexible, encouraging experimentation and allowing you to customize it to your liking. The key is to not overthink it; let the fresh, natural flavors of the lemon and herbs take center stage.
I usually prepare this dish on a Sunday afternoon. The aroma of the roasting chicken fills the kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s a versatile dish that easily transitions from a casual weeknight meal to a more elegant dinner party fare. The presentation is key – a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving elevates it beautifully. I’ve served this to friends and family countless times and it’s always a hit. The compliments are always a great reward for the relatively minimal effort required.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, a testament to its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s a meal that I can confidently prepare knowing it will please everyone, from my picky eaters to my most discerning guests. I love the way the lemon zest brightens the flavor of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of savory and citrusy notes. It's a recipe that's become more than just a meal; it's a symbol of my ability to balance the demands of my life while still creating delicious, satisfying food for my loved ones. It's a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking: simple, flavorful, and filled with love.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe holds a sentimental value for me. It reminds me of simpler times, of warm kitchens filled with the aroma of roasting chicken, and of the joy of sharing a meal with those I love. It’s a recipe that I'll continue to share with my family and friends for years to come, a small but significant contribution to the tapestry of our shared memories.
So, whether you are a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, I highly encourage you to try this recipe. You won't be disappointed. The ease of preparation, combined with the exquisite taste, makes this Lemon Chicken a true culinary gem. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
