15 Lemon Chicken Recipes That Prove It's a Perfect Pairing

overhead view of lemon chicken skillet on a dark surface — Photo:
Johnny Miller

It's hard to imagine a chicken dish that wouldn't benefit from a little lemon, and these recipes prove why. The acidic citrus fruit does an admirable job balancing out the richness of thighs and drumsticks, and it beautifully jazzes up potentially bland-tasting or dry chicken breasts. Add some herbs, whether thyme, oregano, or rosemary, and you've got the makings of a wonderful meal.

Whole lemons can be stored on the countertop but our experts prefer to store their citrus in the refrigerator because this keeps lemons fresh for longer. Also, if you see Meyer lemons in the market, give them a try in any of these recipes. They have a mild acidity, offering a less astringent note compared to a regular lemon.

01 of 15

Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon-Thyme Sauce

Here's a great weeknight dinner option that's ready in under an hour and great for lunch the next day (if there are any leftovers, that is!). You pound the chicken breasts, then grill them until lightly charred. Spoon a no-cook lemon-thyme sauce on top, and dinner is served.

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02 of 15

Spatchcocked Chicken on Bread With Herbs and Lemon

If you love dipping crusty bread in pan juices, this recipe is for you. You roast a spatchcocked bird on top of rustic bread and then finish it with fresh lemon juice and herbs for an instant sauce.

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03 of 15

Creamy Lemon Chicken With Spinach and Artichokes

With cream cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts, this dish is reminiscent of the classic party dip. Add chicken and lemon, and it becomes a hearty entree.

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04 of 15

Grilled Tuscan Chicken With Rosemary and Lemon

There's something wonderfully rustic and rich about this recipe, which relies on simple techniques and ingredients for great flavor. Combine rosemary, lemon, olive oil, and garlic for a delicious marinade; then grill the chicken until it's done to your liking.

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05 of 15

Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry With Green Beans

lemon chicken with green beans and rice — Justin Walker

Lemon, ginger, and sesame oil give chicken and green beans plenty of pop in this simple stir-fry. Serve over rice for a fast and fresh-tasting meal.

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06 of 15

Braised Chicken With Artichokes, Olives, and Lemon

With their bright green color and mild flavor, Castelvetrano olives are a wonderful addition to a roast chicken dish and a great pairing for bright lemon.

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07 of 15

Chicken Paillards With Lemon-Butter Sauce

You already know the chicken-and-lemon combo, but this recipe proves how well the citrus fruit takes to spinach. It brightens and lightens the green, turning vegetable naysayers into converts.

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Lemon Chicken With Potatoes and Escarole

Lemon and capers are another winning combination. Here, they infuse chicken with a briny tartness that's brilliantly offset by charred onions and potatoes, as well as slightly bitter escarole

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Braised Chicken With Potatoes, Olives, and Lemon

This easy recipe is destined to become a favorite. After 10 minutes of stovetop cooking, you slide the entire dish into the oven to finish cooking. Lemon, olives, and thyme transform into a delicious and silky sauce.

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10 of 15

Roast Spatchcocked Lemon Chicken

A spatchcocked chicken cooks more quickly than a whole chicken and it also results in more crispy skin. This terrific recipe has you slide thinly sliced lemons under the skin for maximum deliciousness.

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11 of 15

Roasted Chicken With Lemon Sauce

Here's a lovely, unfussy meal that would be equally welcome at a dinner party or a regular weeknight family meal. The sauce comes together with pan juices, a bit of wine, some broth, lemon juice, and oregano.

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12 of 15

Roast Chicken With Vegetables and Potatoes

Potatoes and chicken strike again. Root vegetables galore fill the pan to be roasted altogether, and even though it doesn't have a strong citrusy flavor, the use of lemon halves will infuse a delicate spring touch all over.

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Grilled Chicken With Lemon and Oregano

This Greek-inspired recipe combines lemon zest and juice, oregano, and chicken—and that's it! It would be lovely served alongside a salad with feta, an orzo salad, roasted potatoes, or pita.

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14 of 15

Chicken, Tomato and Bread Cubes With Lemon-Oregano Marinade

Oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper make a winning marinade that's wonderful on chicken, as well as cubes of bread and tomatoes. Serve these skewers as a main course or as part of a buffet; they're adaptable and enjoyable no matter what.

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Lemon-Ginger Chicken and Green Beans

Fresh ginger and lemons are used to poach the chicken as well as to complement the cucumbers and tomato salad. A perfect light and tasty weeknight meal, all trimmings included, that's ready to be devoured in minutes.

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