Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Use a meat tenderizer to gently flatten them to about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps them cook faster. You want them to be nice and flat, which makes for a tender bite. Be careful not to pound them too hard, as we want to keep them intact!2. Next, grab a large ziplock bag and combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake it well to mix all the ingredients together. This simple step ensures that the chicken will be evenly coated with the flavorful mixture during cooking.3. Now it’s time to add the chicken breasts to the bag. Seal it back up and give it another shake to coat the chicken thoroughly. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before cooking, as too much can lead to a clumpy texture.4. Heat a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Once it’s hot enough, add the coated chicken breasts to the pan. You should hear a sizzle as they hit the pan, which means they are cooking perfectly. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are lightly browned. You want that beautiful golden color to develop!5. As the chicken cooks, keep an eye on the butter. It will start to foam and then settle down, indicating it’s time to flip the chicken. Use tongs to carefully turn them over, ensuring they cook evenly. The delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!6. Once both sides of the chicken are golden brown, remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add the lemon slices and optional thyme. Cook the lemon slices for about 1 minute per side until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized. This extra step infuses the chicken with a vibrant citrus flavor.7. Return the chicken to the pan and top it with the cooked lemon slices. This adds a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor. Let it cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors together.8. Finally, serve your Lemon Chicken warm, alongside your favorite sides like rice, veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal!
Notes
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to a month. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh garden salad. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to experiment with seasoning variations. Adding herbs like rosemary or oregano can give the dish a unique twist.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick!