Mouth-Watering Pollo Limone Recipe: Perfect for Dinner
Are you looking for a way to bring the taste of Olive Garden to your own kitchen? If so, this recipe is exactly what you need! The Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) is a delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its tender chicken breasts and tangy lemon sauce, this recipe is both savory and refreshing.
This recipe is popular for good reason – it’s absolutely delectable. As a scribe to a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can attest to how well-loved and well-received this dish is. The flavors in this recipe are perfectly balanced, making it a hit with adults and children alike.
Not only is this recipe tasty, but it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Plus, this recipe allows for some flexibility in the ingredients used, so you can customize it to your liking.
Follow along with me as I share the step-by-step instructions, tips, and recommendations for making this mouth-watering dish! Get ready to impress your guests with the Olive Garden Pollo Limone at your next dinner party or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the sensational Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe. Trust me, this lemon chicken recipe will have your taste buds singing praises of joy! Have you ever tasted a mouthwatering lemon chicken that instantly brightens up your day? This pollo limone recipe is the answer to all your cravings for fresh and healthy comfort food that has an elegant zest without being overwhelming.
Believe me when I say; you’ll love every bite from this recipe. The moist chicken breasts coated in a light flour mix and then sautéed in olive oil until it’s golden brown perfection—you’ve finally found the perfect summer meal that’s so easy to make, yet delivers such a gourmet taste. The delicate balance of flavors of lemon zest, fresh parsley, and garlic, infused in the dish, is a party for your senses.
Not only is this lemon chicken recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can whip it up for an everyday meal or save it for special gatherings with friends and family. Pair it with salad greens or roasted vegetables; serve it alongside steaming pasta tossed with buttery lemon sauce or angel hair pasta; the possibilities are endless!
So, what are you waiting for? Take a plunge into this chicken pasta recipe-in-the-making heaven by trying out Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to season
Lemon Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup of green onion
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
The ingredients listed above will create the perfect balance of lemon and savory that is signature to Olive Garden’s Pollo Limone. Be sure to have these ingredients handy before beginning the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to jump into making this delicious Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe!
Steps
- First, take a plastic wrap and lightly pound 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Avoid over-pounding as this can toughen the meat.
Pro Tip: Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag to prevent chicken juice from splattering all over your kitchen.
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Next, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and flour evenly.
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Then, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes each side, or until browned and cooked through.
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Now, remove the chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
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In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green onion and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Afterward, pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
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Then, add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and continue to cook for another minute.
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Following that, add 1/4 cup chicken broth to the skillet and simmer for additional 2-3 minutes.
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Lastly, whisk in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and emulsified into the sauce.
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Before serving, spoon the sauce over warm chicken breast and garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired.
Voila! Your Lemon Chicken recipe is now complete!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re someone who likes to experiment with the recipe or wants to substitute some ingredients with other alternatives, then this section is for you. While this Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe is perfect as it is, there are still some variations you can try.
If you want a healthier version of this dish, you may swap the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. You may also use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. The sauce of this recipe is what makes it stand out, but for a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of butter and use low-fat milk instead.
For those who love spicy food, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give it a little kick. If you’re not fond of green onions, you can replace them with shallots or white onions for a milder flavor.
As for the lemon juice, fresh lemons are always better than bottled ones as they give a brighter and fresher flavor. But if fresh lemons are not available, you may use bottled ones just make sure to use a good brand.
Finally, if you want to create your own twist on this recipe, feel free to mix and match different herbs and spices until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste. Get creative and have fun experimenting!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve mastered this delectable Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe, it’s time to decide what to serve it with. The sauce of this dish is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, so keep that in mind as you choose your sides.
One excellent pairing for pollo limone is a simple side salad with a tart and refreshing dressing, like a lemon vinaigrette. The combination of the citrus notes in the chicken and dressing makes for a cohesive meal that is light and fresh.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The texture of these starchy sides pairs wonderfully with the fragrant lemons and rich broth used in this dish.
Another option is to serve the pollo limone with some pasta: fettuccine, angel hair or any other type will do just fine. You can even spoon some of the delicious lemon sauce over the noodles for an exceptional experience.
And of course, don’t forget to top your chicken with some freshly chopped parsley before serving. This garnish adds another layer of freshness and color to the dish as well as providing a nice contrast with the yellow hues of the sauce.
No matter what side dishes you decide on, rest assured that this scrumptious chicken recipe will be the star of any meal. So go ahead and experiment with your favorite pairings until you find just the right combination to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for a busy schedule or for entertaining guests. You can prepare and cook the chicken breasts in advance, then simply reheat them when you are ready to serve.
To make ahead: After cooking, let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Storing: if you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This recipe is not suitable for freezing since the chicken may become dry during reheating.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and add 1-2 tbsp of chicken broth or water. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
It’s important to remember though that reheating precooked chicken improperly may leave you with overcooked and dry chicken. Reheat only once and aim for a lower heat rather than high heat so you don’t end up with rubbery chicken.
With these tips of make-ahead, storing and reheating your Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe, you can easily enjoy it throughout the week or whenever guests decide to make an unexpected visit!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the best Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe, take a moment and read the following tips that will guarantee perfect results:
First, I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook faster, and are easier to cut into serving pieces. It is important to pat the chicken dry with paper towel before seasoning it with salt and pepper. This helps to ensure that excess water won’t dilute the seasoning or make the coating soggy.
Second, don’t skip the flour coating step for the chicken. The flour adds a layer of protection that prevents the meat from sticking to the pan when it’s cooking. Plus, it creates a nice golden crust that makes the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy inside.
Third, make sure you are using fresh ingredients, especially lemon zest and juice. You will need about one tablespoon of lemon zest and four tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for this recipe. These ingredients give the dish a bright and tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the chicken.
Fourth, use a combination of extra virgin olive oil and butter to cook your chicken. The butter adds richness to the sauce while EVOO prevents it from burning or excessively browning.
Fifth, be sure not to overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken. If you cook too many pieces of chicken at once, they won’t brown nicely, making it difficult to achieve deep flavors in your dish.
Lastly, let your chicken rest for a few minutes once it’s cooked through. This allows juices to redistribute evenly through the meat so that each bite is juicy and tender. Serve hot with your favorite side dish like angel hair pasta or steamed veggies.
With these tips in mind, you’ll get to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home that is both healthy and delicious!
FAQ
Now that you have learned all about the Olive Garden Pollo Limone recipe, you may have some questions or doubts in your mind. In this section, we will address those frequently asked questions that people often have when they attempt to cook this delicious dish. Whether you are an experienced home chef or a novice in the kitchen, these FAQS and their answers will help you achieve the perfect results.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
Sometimes, all it takes to elevate a dish is a delicious sauce. This particular one is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients – cream of chicken soup, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and spices. The result is a versatile sauce that pairs well with rice, pasta, vegetables, or chicken. For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon or two of basil or Italian seasoning. Give this recipe a try and see how it can transform even the simplest of meals.
What happens when you add lemon to chicken?
When it comes to cooking chicken with lemon, using it in moderation is key. While lemon can provide a tasty tang and help to tenderize the meat, too much acidity can have the opposite effect, leaving you with rubbery or mushy chicken. To ensure even cooking, it’s best to flatten chicken breasts to a uniform ½ inch thickness before adding any seasoning. And don’t forget to zest the lemon before juicing it – every last drop of flavor counts!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe is an excellent choice for those looking to impress their dinner guests or simply enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. With its flavorful and aromatic ingredients, it’s a dish that can elevate any dinner occasion. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable to suit individual tastes and preferences.
So, whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Follow the detailed steps outlined in this article, and you’ll soon be able to serve up a restaurant-worthy dish from the comfort of your own home. Experience the delectable mix of lemon and chicken flavors with every bite, and you’ll know why this dish has become one of the most popular dishes at Olive Garden worldwide.
In fact, why limit yourself to enjoying this dish only at home? Host a dinner party and share this scrumptious recipe with your family and friends. They’ll be blown away by its taste and probably ask for second servings! Finally, let’s not forget that cooking is an art form that requires patience and effort; but remember that the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up your stove, and start cooking!
Olive Garden Pollo Limone (Lemon Chicken) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more to garnish)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Pound chicken to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over high heat.
- Lightly coat chicken with flour shaking off excess.
- Cook in skillet until brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove chicken and reserve on the side.
- Add 1/2 tsp oil to the skillet reducing heat to low.
- Saute green onions and garlic until tender.
- Deglaze the pan with broth and wine (scraping browned bits from pan).
- Add lemon juice and parsley.
- Bring mixture to a boil over high heat (3 min).
- Add lemon peel and salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
- Cover skillet for 5 minutes over medium-low heat turning chicken once.
- Plate the chicken and top with sauce and parsley for 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!