Healthy Recipes 101

The Heart of The Home Beats in The Kitchen

  • Recipe Index
  • Courses
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Beverages
  • Method
    • Air Frying
    • Boiling
    • Broiling
    • Frying
    • Grilling
    • Oven Baked
    • One-Pan
  • About

Hot Tags

  • Juices
  • Chicken
  • Salmon Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Salads
Fact-checked
Chicken

Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote
  • Chicken
  • Main Dishes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Servings 4 servings
Calories 426 kcal
Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Jump to Recipe
facebook pinterest twitter Print Recipe

Allow us to introduce you to this easy, delicious and healthy lemon chicken recipe.

Like many nine-to-five people, we love treating ourselves with good food after work. However, we understand how difficult it can be to plan a wholesome meal that is easy to make.

Especially when you’ve had a long day at work or just finished running errands.

If you’re looking for a healthy dinner idea that tastes gourmet, you need to read along. Today’s lemon chicken recipe yields a bright, lemony, and buttery result, and might be just the thing for you.

In this dish, tender, golden brown pan-seared chicken pieces are bathed in a creamy lemon sauce. Your dinner will be done in a few minutes.

Is Lemon Chicken Healthy?

Take a look at the list of ingredients below. You’ll notice that besides the chicken, butter, and heavy cream, the flavor is also enhanced with spices and herbs.

Despite being so creamy and rich, lemon chicken provides just enough of the recommended amount of saturated fat. In this lemon chicken recipe, saturated fat is still kept within your recommended daily consumption.

For more information, here’s an article about saturated fat and how much you should eat per day.

Another healthy factor is that there is no added sugar, making this a low-carb recipe, perfect for low-carb dieters. The total amount of carbs might vary, though, as it depends on the dish that sides with lemon chicken.

So yes, according to our healthy eating guidelines, lemon chicken is healthy. Yet, please note that this recipe is not supposed to follow any particular diet.

Is Lemon Chicken Healthy

Calories in Lemon Chicken

If served on its own, lemon chicken provides 426 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat— all within healthy limits. You can replace the heavy cream in this recipe with half-and-half to cut down both values.

If you’re searching for a one-pan dish with chicken, this healthy baked chicken breast might be just the thing. Feel free to peruse!

How to Make Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Split each breast halfway to form a pocket.

Step 2: Make the marinade mixture

In a small bowl, mix together ground black pepper, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the chicken breasts with the marinade mixture on both sides and inside the pockets.

Step 3: Sear the chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the pan and sear each side for 10 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the lemon sauce (1)

In the same pan used for searing the chicken, add shallots, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir.

Step 5: Make the lemon sauce (2)

Add flour in, stir for 1 minute. Whisk everything together whenever an ingredient is added.

Step 6: Make the lemon sauce (3)

Add chicken broth in. Let simmer and whisk for 2 minutes. 

Step 7: Make the lemon sauce (4)

Add whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. stir for 1 minute.

Step 8: Make the lemon sauce (5)

Add the chicken breasts back in. 

Step 9: Make the lemon sauce (6)

Add lemon juice and dill, whisk gently, and let simmer for 3 minutes so the cream combines with the rest.

Step 10: Finish and serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes on top, let everything simmer for 2 minutes, and turn off the heat. Transfer lemon chicken onto plates and serve hot.

How to Make Healthy Lemon Chicken Breast

How to Make Lemon Sauce for Chicken

The process of making lemon sauce for chicken is simple. In the same pan that you used to sear the chicken, stir shallots, garlic, and butter together over medium heat.

Next, add flour, chicken broth, and milk successively, spending a minute or two to whisk around after each ingredient. Return the chicken breasts back into the pan together with heavy cream and lemon juice.

Whisk everything gently and let simmer for a couple of minutes. The cream will slowly come together with the other ingredients.

Sprinkle chopped fresh dill, parsley, and red pepper flakes on top, and there you have it!

How to Make Sauce

Substituting for Chicken Breast

We can say with certainty that our lemon chicken recipe works with either chicken breast, thigh, leg, or wing. The cooking steps remain unchanged, the only difference is how long each type of chicken cutlets cook on the stove.

1. Chicken Thighs

Both thighs and legs are dark meat. They have a stronger flavor, higher fat content, and are also more succulent and juicy when cooked.

As chicken thighs hold more fat, they need longer to cook than chicken breasts.

Cooking chicken on a skillet is a faster route to creating a chicken dish than cooking one in the oven. Good news, our lemon chicken recipe uses this method.

Boneless thighs will take approximately the same cooking time as chicken breasts. However, for bone-in cutlets, you need to add about 5 extra minutes of cooking time to each side.

Normally, when chicken thighs are in use, their skin is left on for a crispy outer layer. Keeping the skin also helps protect the chicken from drying out, however, it does increase the fat content.

Of course, the cooking time will vary depending on the size and the thickness of the chicken cuts.

If it’s too complicated to estimate the moment of doneness, consider investing in a thermometer. As long as the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F, it’s ready to be served.

2. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are the most crispy and juicy when deep-fried. Therefore, we don’t really recommend using chicken wings in this recipe.

Truth be told, the style of bathing the meat in a creamy sauce just isn’t made for chicken wings. Nevertheless, you can still treat chicken wings in the same way as chicken thighs if they’re cooked on a skillet.

Tips for Making Lemon Chicken

If the lemon sauce reduces too quickly, add water to thin it out and cook to your desired consistency.

If you happen to buy a thick chicken breast, please spend some time to halve or pound it thin. By doing so, the chicken will better absorb the marinade and have greater flavor.

As different stoves heat up to different levels, be on top of the temperature. It’s important to watch when the chicken is cooking and reduce the heat if it begins to brown too fast.

It’s okay to adjust the amounts of cream, milk, chicken broth or lemon juice. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

If you’re feeling the suggested amounts of cream and milk will make the sauce too buttery, simply cut them down. However, be careful not to reduce them too far.

The reason for that is simple. If the lemon juice overshadows other ingredients in the sauce, the chicken could end up being dry and bitter.

Therefore, please be sure to keep chicken broth, cream, and milk in moderate amounts. These ingredients add moisture and fat to the meat, helping to prevent the drying effects of the lemon juice.

Tips for Making

Lemon chicken is also convenient for make-ahead dinners. To make it in advance, marinate the chicken with the spices, cover, and store in the fridge until you’re ready.

It’s no surprise that this method allows the meat to marinate better. The chicken has more time to absorb different flavors, therefore results in juicier and tastier chicken.

What Goes with Lemon Chicken

Every meal should include equal portions of meat and vegetables, so what kind of greens would do for this recipe? Fortunately, we know some that might pull the dish together.

1. Artichoke

Artichoke, sautéed spinach, kale, or collard greens, can be the best options to pair with this lemon chicken recipe. Either boiled or sautéed veggies are recommended.

2. Asparagus

Asparagus, green beans, or Brussel sprouts are a wise and delicious addition for lemon chicken. Not only will they taste amazing with the sauce, but their crunchy texture will add another dimension to the dish.

3. Broccoli

Similar to asparagus, broccoli adds a nice crunch to the dish and helps balance the creamy rich sauce. You can choose to either bake or steam all the above greens.

4. Potatoes

Potatoes are so versatile that they can go well with almost any dish you can think of. Smashed or roasted potatoes would be perfect for this lemon chicken recipe.

You should also try roasted sweet potatoes for a change. All you need to do is season whole potatoes with spices and herbs, then cook them on a wire rack.

In another method, you can even wrap them in tin foil to make baked sweet potatoes. Either way, there will be delicious potatoes to pair with the chicken.

What Goes with Lemon Chicken

Carrots and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes often have high carbohydrate content. So do keep an eye on them when pairing if you’re following a low-carb diet.

If you love this recipe, this honey butter chicken might be of help. For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our healthy chicken roundup.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken

Combining the right flavor enhancers for lemon chicken will make it an easy job for you to pull things together. In the same vein, choosing the right side dish is no less important.

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are versatile and loaded with organic flavors. Veggies are chopped small, baked together and topped with melted parmesan cheese.

The flavor enhancing agents are simple: only garlic, fresh pepper, and your favorite herbs. Their sweet and earthy taste easily matches a wide variety of meaty dishes like this lemon chicken.

2. Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is hearty with the mix-and-match of carrot, celery, and apple, with a hint of tang from ginger. The celery becomes more subtle in taste when diluted with carrot juice.

This drink can be made with ease in your kitchen within a couple of minutes. It makes a refreshing juice that’s low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and suitable for any meal, big or small.

3. Spaghetti

In terms of a balanced, nutritious meal, we recommend only a small portion of the pasta alongside the chicken. Try adding vegetables to the meal to make sure you’re provided with energy from all three macronutrients.

4. Rice

Besides vegetables, rice and pasta can also be served with this lemon chicken recipe. A small bowl of hot steamed rice is enough to make it a complete square meal.

Feel free to substitute for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier bed of carbs!

Recipes Course Calories Saturated fat Sodium
Lemon Chicken Main Dish 421 10.3 g 400 mg
Roasted Vegetables Side Dish 199 1.9 g 270 mg
Carrot Orange Ginger Juice Beverage 127 0.0 g 45 mg
Total 747 12.2 g 715 mg
Nutritional values in this table vary somewhat to those below due to different app calculations. Read more...
Homemade Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote
PRINT RATE Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest
Our healthy lemon chicken recipe is quick and straightforward. You’ll only need a few basic ingredients to cook up some deliciously tender and juicy chicken with a creamy, silky smooth sauce. And the best thing about it is that everything is done in one pan, making the plating and cleaning easier!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 426kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 24 oz skinless boneless chicken breast 4 medium breasts
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsp garlic minced, divided
  • 1 tbsp shallot 
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp dill
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flake
  • 5 lemon slices

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Split each breast halfway to form a pocket.
  • Make the marinade mixture: ground black pepper, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the chicken breasts with the marinade mixture on both sides and inside the pockets.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken to the pan and sear the first side for 10 minutes until golden brown. Flip them over and spend about 8 minutes to sear the other side. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate, set aside.
  • In the same pan, add shallots, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir them around for about 1 minute.
  • Add flour in, stir for 1 minute.
  • Add chicken broth in. Let simmer and whisk for 2 minutes.
  • Add whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. Stir for 1 minute.
  • Add the chicken breasts back in.
  • Add lemon juice and dill, whisk gently and let simmer for 3 minutes so the cream combines with the rest.
  • Add lemon slices to the pan for fragrance.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes on top, let them sit on the heat for an extra 2 minutes.
  • Remove from skillet onto plates and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 426 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 164mg55%
Sodium 401mg17%
Potassium 672mg19%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 42g84%
Vitamin A 147IU3%
Vitamin C 16mg19%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Homemade Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe
What goes with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Previous Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Next Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

More Delicious Like This

How to make Chicken and Rice Casserole in the oven

Healthy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken
Total 1 hour 30 minutes
How to make Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Side Dishes
Total 45 minutes
Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Chicken
Total 55 minutes
Oven Baked Chicken Breast healthykitchen101 3

Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Chicken
Total 45 minutes
Chicken Piccata Recipe

Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken
Total 25 minutes
Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Chicken
Total 40 minutes
Luna Regina

Luna Regina

facebook instagram pinterest youtube twitter linkedin
Luna is the founder and chief recipe developer of Healthy Recipes 101. Apart from cooking, she also loves reading, programming, exploring the outdoors, and collecting useless facts about everything.

Comments/ Reviews

Cancel reply
Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Theresa Peterson

    July 22, 2020 at 12:17 am

    I made with ground pork instead but it was so good!

    Reply
Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
Recipe developed by Luna Regina on December 14, 2021 Nutritionally reviewed by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD

Latest Recipes

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Satay Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Satay Recipe

Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Top Pinterest

Banana Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Banana Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe

Pineapple Carrot Juice Recipe

Carrot Juice
Pineapple Carrot Juice Recipe

Strawberry Carrot Juice Recipe

Carrot Juice
Strawberry Carrot Juice Recipe

AS SEEN ON
eatthis
parade
bustle
insider
buzzfeed
forbes
cnn
msn
Healthy Recipes 101
We do not offer medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice. Please seek consultation from a qualified health care professional prior to any decision to alter your current diet. Learn more See additional information.
  • Recipe Index
  • Course
  • Method
  • About
  • Cooking Challenge
  • Nutrition Guidelines
  • Recipe Development
  • Cooking Tips
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Follow Us

facebook instagram pinterest youtube twitter linkedin

Get our latest healthy recipes

Stay up-to-date with our latest RDN-approved recipes, kitchen tips, and healthy eating challenges.

Opt-out at any time by clicking the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of our email.

Visit our other Healthy101 sites:

Healthykitchen101
© 2021 Healthy Kitchen 101, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Return to Top