Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Chicken

Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Chicken

Julia

This Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Chicken is a bright, flavorful dish that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luxurious sauce made with fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a touch of butter. The combination of bright citrus and fragrant herbs like thyme and parsley creates a sauce that's both light and indulgent, making this dish perfect for any night of the week.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. Using naturally gluten-free ingredients, there's no need for specialty substitutes or complicated techniques. The chicken cooks in under 20 minutes, while the pan sauce comes together in just a few minutes more, making this an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. The acidity of fresh lemon brightens the rich chicken, while garlic adds depth and herbs provide aromatic complexity. A splash of chicken broth creates a silky sauce that's perfect for spooning over the chicken or drizzling over your favorite gluten-free sides like roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad. This recipe proves that gluten-free cooking can be both effortless and elegant.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

30 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 3.00g
Protein 36.00g

Ingredients

4 piecesboneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspolive oil
3 tbspunsalted butter, divided
3 clovesgarlic, minced
3/4 cupgluten-free chicken broth
1/4 cupfresh lemon juice, from about 2 lemons
1 tspfresh thyme, chopped
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped
4 sliceslemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
paper towels
aluminum foil
chef's knife
meat mallet or rolling pin
meat thermometer
large skillet

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with Clean Eating principles, this recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh chicken, herbs, and olive oil, avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and refined products.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is inherently gluten-free, using naturally gluten-free ingredients like chicken, herbs, and olive oil. The recipe explicitly highlights its gluten-free status and requires no special substitutions.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option with virtually zero net carbohydrates, focusing on lean protein and healthy fats from chicken and olive oil. The recipe avoids high-carb ingredients, making it ideal for maintaining low carbohydrate intake.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its use of olive oil, lean chicken, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, and bright lemon flavoring. The cooking method and ingredient selection prioritize whole, minimally processed ingredients typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Paleo Diet

Compliant with Paleo guidelines, this recipe features whole, unprocessed ingredients like chicken, fresh herbs, and olive oil, while avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy. The simple preparation method and focus on high-quality protein align perfectly with Paleo eating principles.

Instructions

1

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.

3 min
2

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

1 min
3

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the pan is hot.

2 min
4
7 min

Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook without moving them for 6-7 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

5
7 min

Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.

6

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

7
1 min

Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

8

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

9
4 min

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until reduced by about half.

10

Reduce heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, fresh thyme, and half of the parsley until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.

1 min
11
2 min

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.

12

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon the lemon herb sauce over each piece, and garnish with remaining parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions