If you love dishes that balance bright, zesty flavors with creamy, comforting textures, then the Chicken Limone Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful Italian-inspired dish features tender chicken breast cutlets enveloped in a luscious lemon cream sauce that’s both tangy and rich. Every bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and garlic-infused goodness, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion where you want to impress without stress. Let me walk you through every step to ensure your Chicken Limone Recipe turns out irresistibly delicious and full of heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving the authentic flavor and texture that makes this Chicken Limone Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role—from the simple flour coating that gives the chicken a lovely crust, to the fresh lemons that bring that signature tangy brightness.
- 4 chicken breast cutlets: Thin and tender, perfect for quick searing and absorbing the sauce.
- ⅓ Cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light, crispy crust when dredging the chicken.
- 1 Teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic background note.
- ½ Teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
- ½ Teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky warmth.
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter: Infuses richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter with healthy fats and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- 4 Cloves garlic (minced): Bursts of fresh pungency that deepen the flavor profile.
- ¼ Cup dry white wine: Essential for deglazing and adds subtle acidity and complexity.
- ½ Cup chicken broth (or stock): Builds layers of savory depth in the sauce.
- 2 lemons (small, zest and juice separated): The true stars—zest gives aromatic citrus oils, juice brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
- ½ Cup heavy cream: Smooths out the sauce and lends a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note at the end.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, to squeeze over for extra lemony goodness.
How to Make Chicken Limone Recipe
Step 1: Dredge the Chicken
Start by mixing the flour with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour blend will give each chicken cutlet a deliciously crispy coating that locks in moisture and flavor. Dip each cutlet into the mixture, shaking off any excess so the crust doesn’t get too heavy.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil—this combo gives you the best browning and prevents burning. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer without crowding. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer the beautiful seared chicken to a plate and set aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
With the pan still warm, add the final tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and just starts turning golden—this quick step makes sure you get warm, mellow garlic notes without any bitterness.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This little treasure trove is packed with flavor and helps to build the base of a deeply satisfying sauce. Let the wine simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it reduces slightly and intensifies.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Lemon Juice
Next, add the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 3 minutes. This step infuses the sauce with brightness and savory richness, balancing perfectly with the cream you’ll add next.
Step 6: Enrich with Butter and Cream
Turn down the heat to medium-low and stir in the last tablespoon of butter until melted, adding to the sauce’s silkiness. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you want—this creamy lemon sauce should be tangy, rich, and smooth.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to soak in all those beautiful lemony, creamy flavors.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the pan. These garnishes add fresh aroma, pop of color, and amplify that gorgeous lemon flavor that defines this Chicken Limone Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Limone Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon zest and parsley are the classic garnishes, but you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a few capers for briny complexity. These bright accents make the dish sing and elevate its visual appeal on the plate.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Limone Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that mop up the luscious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette. Rice pilaf or buttery pasta can also work wonders with this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, drizzle the sauce over the chicken plated atop a neat nest of fettuccine or parmesan risotto. Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra splash of citrus. Garnishing the plate with sprigs of fresh herbs adds an elegant touch every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Limone Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when cold, so give it a good stir when reheating to bring back that creamy, luxurious texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together, note that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm the chicken gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps restore its original consistency and flavor brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast cutlets?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add a bit more juiciness. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid anything too sweet, as it can throw off the balance of the lemon-infused sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a thick cashew cream alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different profile but will still be delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water if you want a quicker thickening method.
Is Chicken Limone Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. It reheats well and can be packed with your favorite sides for a satisfying, flavorful meal throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Chicken Limone Recipe becomes as much of a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. Its perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors makes every meal feel special without demanding too much time or effort. So grab those lemons and chicken cutlets, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this truly delightful dish!
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Chicken Limone Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Limone is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender seared chicken breast cutlets in a creamy lemon sauce. The recipe combines a perfectly seasoned flour dredge with a bright and tangy sauce made from garlic, white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream, finished with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a delightful balance of richness and citrusy freshness. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast cutlets
Seasoning and Coating
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cooking Fats
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 2 lemons, zest and juice separated
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Dredge: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Sear: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When hot, add the floured chicken cutlets in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Deglaze: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let this simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the chicken broth and the lemon juice to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted. Then add the heavy cream and season the sauce to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish Chicken: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce and heat the chicken through.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling the lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest from ripe lemons.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- White wine can be omitted or substituted with more chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure the chicken cutlets are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
