If you are craving something bright, creamy, and full of zesty flavor, you absolutely have to try this Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe. It’s a luscious dish where tender chicken breast cutlets are perfectly seared and gently swathed in a velvety lemon cream sauce, infused with garlic and a splash of white wine. This recipe effortlessly balances tangy citrus with rich butter and cream, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe promises to deliver smiles and satisfied appetites every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color you want in this dish.
- Chicken breast cutlets: Choose thin, even pieces for quick and uniform cooking.
- All-purpose flour: For dredging which creates a slight crust and helps thicken the sauce later.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite sing.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of essence under the fresh garlic notes.
- Ground black pepper: Brings mild heat and complexity.
- Paprika: Adds warm color and a gentle smoky touch.
- Salted butter: Gives richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and balancing the butter.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The aromatic heart of the sauce, infusing every bite.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan to capture every bit of flavor.
- Chicken broth (or stock): Provides savory depth and moisture for the sauce.
- Lemons: Both zest and juice are essential for that unmistakable fresh, citrus punch.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture of the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh herbal finish and pretty color contrast.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for extra zesty squeezes at the table.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe
Step 1: Dredge the Chicken
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. This seasoning blend is what gives the chicken its flavorful crust. Then, dredge each chicken breast cutlet in this mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a gummy coating later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet on medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just a minute or two until it turns fragrant and starts to take on a delicate golden color. This step is crucial because garlic provides that warm, savory backbone to the whole dish.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet – this adds incredible depth to your sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes so it reduces and concentrates its flavor.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Lemon Juice
Next, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow this mixture to simmer for around 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce begin to reduce slightly.
Step 6: Add Butter and Cream
Turn the heat down to medium-low, then stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts entirely. Now it’s time to add the heavy cream – stir it through and season to taste. This combination makes your sauce luxuriously creamy while still keeping the zing of lemon front and center.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Sauce
Place the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens just a little bit more.
Step 8: Garnish and Finish
For the finishing touches, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the chicken. These brighten the dish visually and add fresh bursts of flavor that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe
Garnishes
The lemon zest and fresh parsley are not only beautiful but add that final pop of freshness. Don’t skip serving with extra lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can squeeze in a little extra citrus if they wish – it makes the dish even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce, or a crisp green salad for some refreshing crunch. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also add nice color contrast and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken over a bed of lemon-infused rice or nestling it beside garlic sautéed spinach. For a more casual vibe, serve it family-style in the skillet garnished with lemon slices and parsley so your guests can dig in and enjoy the full aromatic experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Chicken Limone keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and prevent spoilage.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but keep in mind the texture might slightly change due to the cream. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and avoid curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe?
This recipe works best with chicken breast cutlets because they cook quickly and evenly. Bone-in chicken requires longer cooking and might alter the sauce texture and timing, but you could adapt by cooking chicken separately and then simmering it in the sauce once done.
What type of white wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly. Choose something you would also enjoy drinking because the flavor concentrates in the sauce. Avoid sweet wines as they can overpower the lemony brightness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly but still deliver a creamy texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in cold water after adding the cream and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Can Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the coating crisp while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten up your dinner routine with simple ingredients that deliver big flavor and creamy comfort. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests. Give it a try and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for lemons a little more often, savoring the perfect harmony of tangy and rich in every bite.
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Lemon Chicken Limone Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Limone is a luscious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast cutlets seared to perfection and served in a creamy lemon sauce. This recipe balances zesty lemon juice and zest with a rich, velvety sauce made from white wine, butter, and heavy cream, enhanced with garlic and fresh parsley for a fragrant, flavorful meal. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner, this dish can be prepared in about 45 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breast cutlets
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Sauté and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 2 small lemons, zest and juice separated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Dredge the chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Coat the chicken cutlets in this seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When hot, place the chicken cutlets in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavor.
- Simmer with broth and lemon juice: Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add butter and cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted, then incorporate the heavy cream. Season the sauce to taste with additional salt or pepper if desired, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
- Return chicken and thicken sauce: Place the chicken cutlets back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken through and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit entirely and use more chicken broth.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep the cutlets tender and moist.
- White wine adds a subtle acidity and depth; if unavailable, substitute with dry vermouth or additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Serve this dish with sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor; bottled lemon juice will alter the taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian