Description
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a tangy sauce made with Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of honey. The rich, buttery sauce is finished with fresh parsley for a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter to give the sauce a rich, silky texture and depth of flavor.
- Combine and Reheat: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over the top. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm alongside your choice of sides.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For an even richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream during the butter stage.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg