Easy Chicken Limone

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.

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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.

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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.