Description
Zesty lemon basil chicken dances with Mediterranean flavors, promising a light and refreshing culinary journey. Crisp herbs and tangy citrus combine effortlessly, inviting you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Cheese and Flour:
- 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup flour
Citrus and Herbs:
- 2 lemons (1 for zest, 1/2 kept whole, and the other half cut into halved wheels)
- 12 basil leaves (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chives (plus more for topping)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 16 ounces (473 milliliters) chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
Aromatics and Spices:
- 1 shallot, finely diced (brunoise)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Fresno chiles, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare a seasoned flour coating by blending Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and gently flatten them to ensure uniform thickness using a meat mallet.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken dry to promote optimal crispy browning during cooking.
- Coat each chicken piece meticulously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, adherent layer.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment.
- Carefully place floured chicken into the hot pan, cooking until a golden-brown crust develops, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Simultaneously, caramelize lemon wheels in a separate pan with minimal olive oil, rotating to achieve a rich, burnished exterior.
- Mince the caramelized lemon wheels and set aside for sauce enrichment.
- In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped shallots, minced Fresno chiles, and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Incorporate chicken broth, lemon zest, honey, and soy sauce, simmering until the mixture reduces by half.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped caramelized lemons, torn basil leaves, and finely cut chives.
- Remove from heat and vigorously whisk in cold butter to create a silky, emulsified sauce.
- Transfer crispy chicken to serving plates, generously drizzle with the aromatic sauce.
- Garnish with additional chives, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots by using a meat mallet between plastic wrap.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains crispy coating texture.
- Caramelize lemons carefully to enhance natural sweetness without burning, creating depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and maximize aromatic profile, preventing wilting or bitterness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg