Tangy and Tender Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most finger-licking lemon chicken recipe you’ll ever experience – the Newlywed Lemon Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re a newlywed or seasoned cook looking to add something delightful to your recipe books, this dish is guaranteed to become one of your favorites.
I know how challenging it can be to find a meal that hits all the right notes; juicy, flavorful, easy to prepare, and that everyone loves. Well, let me tell you – this lemon chicken recipe delivers on all fronts!
This recipe has been used by my family and I for years and continues to impress, whether it’s at dinner parties or Sunday night family dinners. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors in this devilishly delicious dish.
From church cookbooks to Ina Garten-inspired parties, every food lover we’ve connected with wants to put this recipe on their menu. So why not give it a try for your next special occasion or even as a mid-week treat?
Trust me when I say that every bite of the Newlywed Lemon Chicken will enchant your palate in the most blissful way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a mouth-watering, flavorful chicken recipe that is sure to impress your dinner guests or satisfy your own cravings, then look no further than this newlywed lemon chicken recipe. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a dish that is bursting with tangy lemon flavor and juicy, tender chicken.
Not only is this recipe simple and easy to follow, but it’s also versatile and adaptable – the perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re trying to impress your new in-laws or simply catering for picky eaters, this recipe can be easily adjusted with a few substitutions or variations.
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of bold herbs, spicy peppers, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice that creates a distinct yet harmonious flavor profile, highlighting the best of each ingredient used. The zesty and aromatic tarragon leaves bring out fresh flavors amidst the roasted chicken pieces while the sweet paprika blends well with the sourness of lemon sauce. You won’t find anything like it in your average church or newlywed cookbook!
Whether you choose to serve it with roasted vegetables (perfect for soaking up the delicious juices), fluffy rice pilaf, creamy mash potatoes or light pasta dishes, you’ll soon see why this flavorful dish is a favorite among Ina Garten fans worldwide.
So why will you love this recipe? With its simplicity, versatility and incredible flavor profile, it’s simply irresistible – it’s perfect for both special occasions or weeknight dinners alike. It can quickly become your new favorite comfort food to seeking out whenever you’re feeling down!
Ingredient List
Before you start cooking, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to make this Newlywed Lemon Chicken Recipe.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon Pepper: 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning
- Tarragon: 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon of paprika powder
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the creamy lemon sauce:
- Cream Soup: 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- Tarragon: 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon
- Lemon Juice: Juice of one lemon
- Garlic: Minced garlic, optional
- Heavy Cream or Sour Cream (Optional): 1/3 cup heavy cream or sour cream to make the sauce extra creamy
Gather these ingredients before starting to cook and you’ll have everything needed for a flavorful and delicious meal!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the needed ingredients, it’s time to get started on making your Newlywed Lemon Chicken! Follow these instructions step-by-step to achieve the best results:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Get 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rinse them well and pat them dry using paper towels. Slice the chicken breasts into chicken pieces of equal thickness.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken pieces with a mixture flour of lemon pepper, salt, and paprika. Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the mixture by pressing it down on both sides.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat up a large pan on medium-high heat, put some olive oil and when heated up, add the chicken pieces. Cook each side for around 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, paprika, tarragon, and lemon juice. Stir everything thoroughly until it’s completely mixed together.
Step 6: Marry the Chicken and Sauce
When done frying, put all fried chicken pieces in a baking dish. Pour the lemon sauce mixture over the top of each chicken piece ensuring that they’re fully covered.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Bake
Add a few slices of thinly sliced lemon over everything. You can also try adding some sprigs of fresh thyme or tarragon if you like. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about thirty minutes until sauce is bubbling hot and chicken is fully cooked through.
Congratulations! After following through these simple but crucial steps, you’ve managed to cook yourself a fabulous Newlywed Lemon Chicken dish that looks just as great as it tastes!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with this classic lemon chicken recipe? There are plenty of options for substitutions and variations that can give you a different twist on this dish. Here are a few ideas to consider:
For starters, you can vary the type of chicken you use. While boneless skinless chicken breasts are traditional for this recipe, you may opt for other chicken cuts like chicken thighs that provide more flavor and moisture or pre-cooked shredded chicken to make the recipe a little quicker.
If you want to take this recipe in a spicier direction, you can create a lemon pepper tarragon rub for the chicken pieces. Try adding some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Additionally, if you’re not a fan of tarragon, experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to be combined with lemon to create your favorite citrus-y marinades. Lemon thyme is an especially delicious choice and pairs well with poultry.
For those looking to keep things light, swap the creamy lemon garlic sauce for our simple butter sauce instead.
There is no need to limit yourself with the cooking method by going beyond just baking as well. Don’t hesitate to prepared grilled or pan-seared lemon chicken in lieu of oven-baked.
These changes will instil your personality into the recipe while still retaining the classic taste of lemon chicken that Ina Garten refined in her church cookbook and became famous among newlyweds.
Serving and Pairing
This delightful lemon chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fancy dinner party with friends. The dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
For a rustic touch, I recommend serving the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice pilaf mixed with fresh herbs such as tarragon or lemon thyme. The bright and tangy flavor of the chicken pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the rice.
If you’re looking to indulge your guests, you can also serve this lemon chicken with creamy polenta or risotto. The creaminess of either dish balances out the tartness of the lemon and creates a perfect harmony in every bite.
To enhance the flavor profile of the dish, you might also want to serve it alongside a glass of white wine with citrus notes. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would work wonderfully to complement the lemony flavors.
But don’t worry about pairing your lemon chicken perfectly – this recipe is versatile enough that it can be enjoyed on its own as a delicious and hearty meal. Whether you keep it simple or elaborate, your guests are sure to savor every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing, and reheating. The lemon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to one month. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re short on time, you can make this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. To make sure that the chicken stays moist and flavorful, it’s best to store it already coated with the lemon sauce.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and prepare any side dishes before serving. This lemon chicken pairs well with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables or salad greens.
One tip to note is that lemon sauce can separate after being stored for a long time. Simply stir the sauce or reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes smooth again.
This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights when there’s little time to cook or when preparing for a large gathering. So go ahead and make your life easier with this delicious lemon chicken recipe that can be prepared in advance!
Tips for Perfect Results
Having trouble getting that crispy skin or tender meat? Fear not, these tips will have your newlywed lemon chicken coming out perfectly every time.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This not only makes the cooking process faster, but it also ensures even cooking throughout the meat. If you prefer dark meat, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs with great results.
When seasoning the chicken, make sure to thoroughly coat both sides with the lemon pepper and tarragon mixture. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and really rub the seasoning into the meat for optimal flavor.
Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking helps to bring out the brightness of the lemon flavor. When using other citrus fruits like lime or orange, keep in mind that they will have a stronger taste and use accordingly.
It’s important to not overcrowd the baking dish when cooking the chicken. This ensures that each piece gets plenty of heat and can cook evenly. If you need to cook more chicken than can fit into one dish, divide them into two separate dishes and rotate them halfway through cooking.
If you want a saucy version of this recipe, try making a creamy lemon garlic sauce using heavy cream and garlic cloves. Drizzle it over the chicken at the end of cooking for an added dimension of flavor.
Finally, let your newlywed lemon chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in all of those delicious juices. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad for a well-rounded meal.
Follow these tips and your guests will be asking for your recipe in no time!
FAQ
Now, let us move on to the FAQ section where you can find some common questions about the newlywed lemon chicken recipe. These questions have been collected from various sources and are designed to help you troubleshoot any problems or concerns that you may have while making this delicious dish. So, let’s dive in and see if we can answer any questions you may have!
What does Ina Garten serve with lemon chicken?
Looking to enhance the zesty and tangy taste of your lemon chicken? Allow me to suggest a few complementary dishes that will surely elevate its flavors. For example, you can try a lemon-thyme risotto, which provides a perfect balance between creaminess and herbaceousness that complements the lemon chicken. Another option is to go for Ina Garten’s Mashed Potato with Lemon, which is a decadent side that’s perfect for soaking up the juicy goodness of the chicken. Lastly, you can freshen up the meal with a simple yet refreshing celery salad that perfectly contrasts the richness of the main dish. Any of these accompanying foods will surely make your lemon chicken dish a meal to remember!
What is Chinese lemon chicken made of?
Get ready for a dish that packs a punch of flavor – Chinese Lemon Chicken! Tender pieces of chicken breast are coated in a crispy batter and fried to a golden perfection. Topping it off is a tangy and sweet lemon sauce that’s bursting with freshness. This dish is sure to impress all your guests and leave them wanting more.
What happens when you add lemon to chicken?
As a rule of thumb, when using lemon to marinate chicken, it’s important to keep an eye on the time. While the tangy citrus can infuse the meat with mouth-watering flavor and tenderness, if given too much time, things can go sour. The enzymes in lemon juice can over-tenderize proteins, resulting in unappetizingly tough, rubbery, or even mushy meat. To ensure even cooking, take the extra step of pounding the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness before marinating. And don’t forget to zest the lemon before pressing out its juice!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the newlywed lemon chicken recipe is a must-try for any home chef looking to impress their guests with an easy yet impressive dish. Its refreshing taste and creamy lemon garlic sauce make it a top contender for dinner parties, family dinners or any other special occasion. This recipe offers endless possibilities for substitutions and variations, ensuring that you never get bored of making the same dish over and over again. Plus, it’s a great addition to your cooking repertoire because of its juicy, flavorful results.
Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken recipes like Ina Garten’s favorite lemon chicken or prefer the spiced chicken version with paprika and tarragon, there is no doubt that this recipe belongs in your cookbook. Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy-to-make dish that not only looks good but tastes even better. Trust me; with my detailed instructions and tips for perfect results, you won’t go wrong.
Next time you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to spruce up your weekly meal plan, give this newlywed lemon chicken recipe a try! Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you.
Newlywed Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed golden mushroom soup (3-4 cans)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon tarragon, crushed between fingers
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice (less for less tangy and tart sauce)
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (fillets or nugget-size pieces work well)
- lemon slice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the soup, paprika, salt, lemon pepper, tarragon and lemon juice.
- Spread a small amount of the mixture on the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the casserole.
- Pour the remaining mixture over the chicken.
- Cover with a lid or foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Before serving, cut the lemon into 1/4" slices.
- Make a cut halfway through the lemon circle.
- Twist in opposite directions at the slit, 180 degrees.
- Garnish.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!