
This Easy Chicken Limone recipe is a delightful and straightforward dish that brings the bright, refreshing flavors of lemon to tender pan-seared chicken. The thick, glossy lemon butter sauce makes it a perfect family dinner that's both delicious and healthy, especially for those watching their carbs or avoiding gluten.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Chicken Breast Fillets: Boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets are the star of the show. Slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Salt Flakes and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- Olive Oil and Salted Butter: Used for searing the chicken and creating the rich lemon butter sauce.
- Golden Shallot and Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Chicken Stock or Broth: Forms the base of the lemon sauce.
- Gelatin or Glucomannan Powder: Used for thickening the sauce, keeping it low-carb.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a subtle herbal note to the sauce.
- Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Provides the bright, zesty flavor that defines the dish.
- Lemon Slices and Freshly Chopped Parsley: Used for garnish and added freshness.

Cooking Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breast fillets in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with salt flakes and black pepper.
- Searing the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry each chicken breast until lightly golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C/165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Making the Lemon Sauce:
- Add salted butter to the same skillet. Add finely chopped golden shallot and garlic and sauté until the shallot is translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add chicken stock or broth, gelatin or glucomannan powder, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly (about 3-4 minutes), achieving a loose gravy consistency. Stir in finely grated lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Combining and Serving:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley.
This chicken limone has become a regular in my kitchen. It's so easy to prepare, and the bright, zesty flavors are always a hit with my family. I love how versatile it is, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken limone with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or cauliflower for a low-carb meal. Pair it with pasta and parmesan cheese for a more substantial dish.
Creative Variations
Use chicken thigh fillets instead of chicken breasts. Substitute fresh parsley and thyme with coriander/cilantro or chives. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Add capers, parmesan, and cream to the sauce for a chicken piccata variation.

Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken limone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for later use; defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This easy chicken limone recipe is a fantastic and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're more forgiving and won't dry out as easily as breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
- → What can I use instead of gelatin to thicken the sauce?
- If you don't have gelatin, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of glucomannan powder as mentioned in the recipe. Xanthan gum (1/4 teaspoon) is another low-carb option. For a non-low-carb version, you could use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- → What sides pair well with Chicken Limone?
- For low-carb options, try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, it pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! This chicken reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.
- → Why is my sauce not thickening?
- Make sure your gelatin is properly dissolved in the hot liquid. If using gelatin, remember it needs to simmer for a few minutes to activate. The sauce will also continue to thicken slightly as it cools.