Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick dinner? Look no further! This Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is your answer. It’s packed with bright, fresh flavors, is incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup – perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and impressive dish. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Get started:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken and vegetables:
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the lemon sauce and finish the dish:
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to your sauce!
- Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or quinoa. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning.
- Fresh is best: Using fresh lemon zest and parsley makes a noticeable difference in the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious dish with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different mushrooms: Shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms would all be delicious substitutes.
- Creamy lemon chicken: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
- Add some vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on serving size and sides) Protein: 35-40g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition. It's a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your homemade cooking!