Lemon Chicken and Broccolini sizzles in a skillet with golden chicken breasts, their juices mingling with zesty lemon, tangy capers, and aromatic garlic. Each bite bursts with bright citrus notes, while tender broccolini turns a vibrant emerald and soaks up the luscious pan sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a playful kick, and fragrant oregano and paprika weave warmth throughout. This dish comes together effortlessly—simply sear, simmer, and serve—for an elegant weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion. Perfect alongside fluffy garlic parmesan rice or crispy air-fryer potatoes, it’s guaranteed to delight every palate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
- Bright and zesty flavors that awaken your taste buds.
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights.
- Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Perfectly paired with sides like Garlic Parmesan Rice.
- A delightful dish that impresses family and friends!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With Garlic Parmesan Rice or Air Fryer Potatoes |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the delicious Lemon Chicken and Broccolini!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – approximately 1.5 pounds
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth – for the pan sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – for a zesty flavor
- 2 tablespoons capers – adds a nice tart flavor
- 1 bunch broccolini – washed and trimmed
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic – for rich flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances garlic taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano – for aromatic flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds color and taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper – for a kick of heat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Lemon wedges – for garnish
How to Make Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and elegant meal option. With a total time of around 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time!
Step 1: Pound and Season Chicken
Pound chicken to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make Pan Sauce
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up browned bits from the pan.
Step 5: Cook Broccolini and Chicken
Add broccolini and return chicken to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes until broccolini is bright green and chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with lemon wedges and crushed red pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip scraping the pan for added depth in the sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking for juiciness.
How to Serve this Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
- Serve over a bed of fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice for a comforting touch.
- Pair with Air Fryer Potatoes for a crispy side that complements the dish.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Accompany with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Offer crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious pan sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Lemon Chicken and Broccolini later is easy!
Storing Lemon Chicken and Broccolini Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉ before serving.
Lemon Chicken and Broccolini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up browned bits from the pan.
- Add broccolini and return chicken to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes until broccolini is bright green and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and crushed red pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbs | 15g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired texture. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
2. What can I substitute for broccolini if I can’t find it?
If you can’t find broccolini, you can easily substitute it with regular broccoli or asparagus. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making them great alternatives for this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as regular broccoli may take a bit longer to cook through.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to your Lemon Chicken and Broccolini, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Additionally, serving it with a side of spicy sauce or sriracha can elevate the heat level to your liking.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Lemon Chicken and Broccolini ahead of time. Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉ when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of Lemon Chicken and Broccolini! This dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly rewarding. Picture yourself enjoying a vibrant meal that bursts with freshness and zest. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and treat yourself to this culinary gem. You deserve it!