Juicy Olive Garden Chicken Recipe for Ultimate Satisfaction!
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you want to elevate your cooking game and impress your guests at your next dinner party? Look no further than this Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce recipe.
This recipe takes inspiration from the beloved American-Italian restaurant chain, but with a homemade twist that will make your taste buds dance with delight. The tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy herb-seasoned breading and topped with a tangy and aromatic lemon sage sauce that perfectly balances out the savory flavors.
But don’t be intimidated by the seemingly complex recipe details – with just a little patience and some cooking know-how, you can make an amazing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe out, it’ll become a regular part of your dinner rotation. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a mouth-watering chicken recipe to add to your dinner menu? Look no further than the Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy any craving.
Firstly, the combination of tender boneless skinless chicken breasts with the tanginess of lemon and herbaceous notes of fresh sage creates a unique and delicious taste profile. The Lemon Sage sauce takes this dish to another level entirely, adding creamy richness with heavy cream, white wine, and unsalted butter. The sauce is then seasoned perfectly with lemon zest, garlic, shallot, and parsley, complementing the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can mix things up by substituting ingredients such as using dried basil instead of fresh basil or swapping out the Romano cheese for fresh Parmesan cheese. The options are endless, allowing you to customize this dish to your preferences.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for serving at a dinner party or any special occasion. Your guests will be completely impressed with this restaurant-worthy dish that you prepared in your own kitchen! The simplicity of this recipe means that you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen but will still impress your guests with sensational flavors.
Overall, the Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce recipe delivers on taste, versatility, and ease of preparation. So why not impress yourself and your guests by whipping up this delicious dish for dinner tonight? You’re guaranteed to fall in love!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Sage Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley.
This recipe features a succulent herb roasted chicken slathered in Olive Garden’s signature lemon sage sauce. The ingredient list includes basic kitchen staples plus fresh herbs, shallot, garlic, white wine, lemon juice and zest, and heavy cream. Don’t forget some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the introduction and reasons why you will love this recipe, it’s time to dive in and make some Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon of ground sage
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from one lemon
- A handful of fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper
-
Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour until fully coated on both sides.
-
Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat
-
Add the olive oil and heat it up for a minute.
-
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown (around five minutes per side)
-
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
-
Reduce heat to medium
-
Add the unsalted butter into the same skillet placed over medium heat
-
Once melted add the minced garlic and shallots and sauté for about two minutes.
-
Sprinkle in dried parsley, ground sage, lemon zest then pour in white wine; simmer until slightly reduced (the wine reduces to about half)
-
Continue by adding heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice
-
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and allow to gently simmer for about five minutes
-
Place back all cooked chicken breasts in skillet
-
Spoon some sauce over each chicken breast, save some extra sauce to serve
-
Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for one to two minutes
-
Finish of your Olive Garden Style Lemon Sage Chicken by garnishing it with fresh parsley
That’s it! Follow these instructions carefully, and you will have yourself a deliciously melt-in-mouth Olive Garden Style Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce, perfect for any homemade feast or special dinner event!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t have all the ingredients for a recipe or we want to switch things up. Luckily, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try out with this Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe.
If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use regular salted butter and simply adjust the amount of added salt accordingly. If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.
Instead of white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you want to add more lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or juice in the recipe.
For herb substitutions, fresh basil or dried basil can be used instead of fresh parsley or dried parsley. Fresh thyme or dried thyme is also a great option to give your chicken an earthy taste.
Switch up your cheese by using romano cheese or fresh parmesan cheese. And if you’re feeling daring, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top for an unexpected twist.
This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting boneless skinless chicken breasts with tofu or seitan. You could also try using cauliflower or portobello mushrooms for a tasty alternative.
Lastly, try adding some Italian dressing for extra flavor and spice things up with some red chili flakes. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this recipe – have fun experimenting and finding your own twist!
Serving and Pairing
After meticulously preparing the succulent Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe, it’s time to decide how to serve and pair it best. There are various options you can consider that will complement the dish, so why not try different ones until you find your favorite? Here are some serving and pairing suggestions worth taking into account.
First, I recommend serving this garden chicken lemon with some light and fresh sides that will balance the rich flavors of the chicken. For instance, a refreshing green salad tossed in Italian dressing or olive oil will guarantee to brighten up your plate. You may also opt for lightly steamed veggies such as green beans or broccoli, that will provide vibrant texture and nutritive value.
As for pairing, this lemon sage sauce recipe goes well with an array of beverages including crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, that will make the flavors sing. A full-bodied red such as Pinot Noir may also complement the chicken well, but note that lighter wines are typically preferred with white meats such as chicken. Additionally, beer aficionados may opt for a light lager, pilsner or hefeweizen, which would bring out its herbal notes.
Bear in mind that everyone has unique tastes and preferences when it comes to food and drink pairing- there is no set rule. So experiment with different options until you find your perfect match. Or perhaps you’ll want to share this recipe with your friends and have a fun potluck where each person brings their own suggested beverage pairing.
Regardless of how you choose to serve and pair it, one thing is certain: this lemon sage sauce recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of the Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe and now you need to know how to make-ahead, store, and reheat this dish for later. Luckily, this chicken lemon sage recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time and reheating later.
If you want to get ahead of the game, prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the sauce cool completely before storing it. The chicken and lemon sage sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat the chicken, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it up in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through.
As for the lemon sage sauce, simply reheat it slowly in a small saucepan over low heat. Gradually add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce as needed.
If you have any leftover Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe, feel free to freeze it for later. Just be sure to store the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, as they will last up to 2 months frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen leftovers, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the above methods.
With these tips on make-ahead, storing and reheating, you can easily prepare this delicious Italian-style chicken dish ahead of time and enjoy it later without any hassle.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but don’t let that intimidate you. These tips will ensure that your Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to properly season the chicken with salt and black pepper before cooking. This step may sound basic, but it can make a huge difference in the flavor of the dish.
Next, when cooking the chicken, consider using a meat thermometer. Overcooked chicken can end up being dry and tough. The internal temperature of the chicken breast should reach 165°F before taking it off the heat.
When making the lemon sage sauce, it is crucial to not overcook the sauce after adding the heavy cream. Overcooked heavy cream will result in a grainy texture and an undesirable taste. Also, be mindful of how much lemon juice you add to the sauce as it can overpower the other flavors in the dish.
For another variation, consider using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs tend to have more flavor and are less likely to dry out during cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for an added pop of color and flavor.
By following these simple tips, you will have a delicious and impressive dish that will leave your guests wanting more.
FAQ
Now, let’s get into some frequently asked questions about this Olive Garden Chicken with Lemon Sage Sauce recipe. Many of us have lots of questions while trying to make new recipes, and I’m sure you’re no different! In this section, I’ll address the most common questions that people have about this recipe to make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
Are you looking for an easy and delicious sauce that can elevate your meals? Look no further! This sauce takes creamy chicken soup and jazzes it up with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory spices. The versatility of this sauce is unmatched – it pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, chicken, or vegetables. For an additional burst of flavor, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some basil or Italian seasoning. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What happens when you add lemon to chicken?
When incorporating lemon in your chicken recipe, it is crucial to strike a balance. Lemon can work wonders in enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the meat; however, overdoing it could lead to undesirable consequences. If left to marinate for too long, the acid in the lemon will disintegrate the proteins excessively, resulting in a repulsive rubbery or mushy texture. To ensure even cooking, it is best to pound the chicken breasts to a thin ½ inch thickness. Additionally, be sure to zest the lemon before extracting the juice to make the most out of it.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, the Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce recipe will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them craving for more. With its zesty lemon flavor and fragrant sage sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from fancy dinner parties to casual family gatherings.
Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or a newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees perfect results every time. Plus, with its versatile ingredients list, you can easily customize the dish to suit your taste buds and preferences.
So why not give this recipe a try? With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-style dish that will wow your guests and have them coming back for seconds. Don’t forget to pair it with some creamy risotto or roasted vegetables to really make it shine.
Trust me, once you try this Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your repertoire of impressive dishes. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Olive Garden Chicken With Lemon Sage Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
PICCATTA BATTER
- 6 eggs, whole
- 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh romano cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried basil
CHICKEN
- 4 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, split
- 2 cups flour, seasoned with
- salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or as needed)
LEMON SAGE SAUCE
- 1/4 cup shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350ºF.
- To make the PICCATTA BATTER, combine eggs, cheeses, parsley and basil together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- To prepare the CHICKEN, pound chicken breasts until ¼” thick.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and dip it in the Piccata batter; coat evenly on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet and fry until edges are golden brown on each side.
- Transfer chicken from skillet into a baking pan.
- BAKE in a 350ºF oven for 5-6 minutes, until juices run clear.
- To make the SAUCE, drain 3/4 of the oil from skillet and add the shallots, garlic and herbs.
- Saute over medium heat until shallots are transparent.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, white wine and reduce liquid by 1/2.
- Add heavy cream and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove pan from heat and whip in the cold butter.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To SERVE, pour ¼ cup of sauce on plate and place chicken on top. Serve immediately.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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!