Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Limone is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors. The crispy chicken paired with a vibrant lemon sauce creates an exciting contrast that’s both tangy and savory. It’s an ideal dish for any occasion—whether you’re having a family dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving something fresh and light. The recipe is quick to prepare, but the results feel gourmet, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the lemon sauce. If desired, add capers for an extra burst of flavor.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Chicken Limone with Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet for a more complete meal.
Spicy Chicken Limone: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Chicken Limone with Pasta: Serve the chicken and lemon sauce over pasta for a heartier dish. Angel hair or spaghetti works wonderfully.
Chicken Limone with White Wine: Substitute half of the chicken broth with white wine for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Chicken Limone in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Chicken Limone?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make Chicken Limone ahead of time?

While the chicken is best fresh, you can make the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.

Is there a way to make Chicken Limone dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I add herbs to the sauce for more flavor?

Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil would pair wonderfully with the lemon in this dish.

What type of chicken broth should I use for Chicken Limone?

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the sauce. You can also use homemade broth for a richer flavor.

Can I freeze Chicken Limone?

It’s not ideal to freeze the chicken with the lemon sauce as the cream may separate upon reheating. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and make fresh sauce when ready to serve.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce to thicken it.

Can I add other fruits to the sauce?

Yes, adding a little orange juice or zest could create a citrus blend that adds complexity to the flavor. Just keep the lemon as the star ingredient.

What should I serve with Chicken Limone?

Chicken Limone pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Is Chicken Limone gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Conclusion

Chicken Limone is a bright and refreshing dish that combines the richness of chicken with the tanginess of lemon for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish will add a touch of elegance to your menu. With its simple ingredients and deliciously vibrant sauce, Chicken Limone will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Chicken Limone

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken Limone is a bright, flavorful dish that pairs crispy chicken with a tangy, citrusy lemon sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe offers a refreshing contrast of savory and zesty flavors that will impress your family or guests. Quick and simple, yet elegant, Chicken Limone is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce thicken for about 2 minutes.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the lemon sauce. Add capers if desired, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Variations: Add sautéed vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or zucchini for a more complete meal. Spice it up with red pepper flakes for heat or serve over pasta for a heartier option.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, covering it to retain moisture.
Freezing: Not ideal due to the cream in the sauce, as it may separate when reheated. The chicken can be frozen separately, and fresh sauce can be made when ready to serve.