Lemon is one of those ingredients that can be used a thousand different ways, for every meal of the day. Without a doubt though, one thing that is always made better by lemon is chicken. So to celebrate the arrival of my favorite season, I rounded up the 60 of the best lemon chickenrecipes to keep us coming back for more all summer long!
What Does Adding Lemon To Chicken Do?
Adding fresh lemon juice to chicken before cooking actually has a couple benefits. Obviously it adds a ton of flavor, but it also helps to tenderize the chicken as well. Plus, in my experience lemon can also help to lock in moisture making the end product extra juicy. But be careful, because if left too long in a lemon marinade, the acid will actually start to break down the proteins in the chicken too much resulting in a tough, rubbery bird.
Lemon Chicken Breast Recipes
This collection is filled with lots of ways to use those frozen chicken breasts you stocked up on when they went on sale. But lemon chicken isn’t just limited to that cut—it can also be used on chicken thighs, drumsticks and even whole chickens. The reason why it’s a go-to flavor for boneless chicken breasts is because they tend to get dry if not cooked properly and the addition of lemon juice can help avoid that.
What Is Lemon Chicken Sauce Made Of
There are countless recipes for a lemon chicken with a sauce poured over top. From cream-based ones to simple butter and garlic ones, you can really let your imagination run wild. There is a classic one though that combines cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, garlic and other spices that tastes great on chicken, pasta and veggies. Simply combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan and heat on the stove for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Pour over chicken and enjoy!
What Side Dishes Go With Lemon Chicken
Personally I think lemon chicken the type of dish that goes well with pretty much any side dish you want to serve up. I tend to go with potatoes, wild rice, steamed veggies, tossed salad, pasta salad and more! Here are some of my favorites:
Lemon Roasted PotatoesCrock Pot Mashed PotatoesMontreal Roasted PotatoesRed Potato SaladNo-Boil Baked Macaroni and CheeseBroccoli Grape SaladCopycat Texas Roadhouse Green BeansHearts of Palm SaladCheesy Rice and Broccoli CasseroleSpinach and Artichoke Salad
Best Lemon Chicken Recipes
When it comes to cooking chicken flavored with lemon, you can do it just about any way you want! Grilled Lemon Chicken is the perfect summer cookout meal. Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken cooks in an amazing sauce. Sautéed Lemon Chicken stays on the stove top, so no need to turn on the oven, but if you’re not opposed to using the oven in the summer, Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken includes baby potatoes and Brussels sprouts for an easy one-pan meal. I love the flavor of olives and lemon, so the Slow Cooker Green Olive and Lemon Chicken is going to the top of my must make list! Lemon Roast Chicken is a beautiful whole bird; perfect for a Sunday supper. My Lemon Chicken and Noodles is a great cure if a summer cold or allergies has you feeling under the weather. Smoked Lemon Pepper Wings will make you the star of your next backyard barbecue, and everyone will demand the recipe! Summer time has me craving all things fresh and bright. Nothing achieves this more than fresh lemon recipes. Paired with chicken it’s a match made in yum factor heaven!
