If you’re a fan of classic restaurant dishes at home, you’re going to love this Texas Roadhouse Lemon Chicken recipe!
This dish brings together tender chicken with zesty lemon butter sauce. Oooh, who doesn’t just love that?
To get the chicken just right, keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooking can make it dry.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving really highlights the flavors.
This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a side of steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon (cut in half)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Flatten your chicken breasts using a meat mallet so they cook evenly.
You’ll want them about the same thickness from end to end.
Step 2:
Mix together the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with the mixture.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Step 4:
Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
Press the lemon halves into the hot skillet, cut-side down, until charred.
Step 5:
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to reabsorb the juices and stay moist.
Squeeze the charred lemon over the top for an added zesty flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Flatten for Even Cooking
Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate and you don’t end up with undercooked sections.
This helps keep your dish consistent and juicy!
Season Generously
Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste, whether adding garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
Being bold with seasonings brings out the best in this dish!
Rest the Chicken
Allowing the chicken to rest before serving makes a big difference.
This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making it super tender and delicious.
Char the Lemon
Don’t skip charring the lemon halves.
This enhances the citrus flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful, smoky zest.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Whenever possible, go for fresh herbs and a juicy lemon.
Fresh ingredients make this dish shine and bring out its natural flavors beautifully.
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Lemon Chicken
**Green Beans**
Freshly cooked green beans make a perfect match with the citrus flavor of lemon chicken.
You can sprinkle some almonds or toasted nuts on top, adding a nice crunch to brighten things up.
Try sautéing them with garlic and olive oil for an extra burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with your chicken.
**Cilantro Lime Rice**
This rice dish is bursting with flavors that complement lemon chicken beautifully.
The zesty notes of lime and cilantro bring out the best in your main dish.
It’s an easy, vibrant side that balances the richness of the chicken with a fresh and exciting taste.
**Garlic Mashed Potatoes**
Traditional mashed potatoes add a comforting touch to your lemon chicken meal, offering a creamy contrast.
Infuse your potatoes with garlic for added depth, and don’t shy away from a little butter for richness.
The result is a delightful side that soaks up the delicious lemon sauce wonderfully!
**Roasted Brussels Sprouts**
For a fun twist, try pairing your chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts.
These little cabbages get beautifully crisped in the oven, making them a great savory partner.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance their natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the tangy lemon chicken.
**Mango Salad**
This unconventional side dish adds a refreshing and tropical twist that can surprise your taste buds.
Use ripe mangos, mixed greens, and a simple vinaigrette to create this colorful salad.
The sweetness of mangoes provides an exciting contrast to the lemony flavor of the chicken, offering a unique fusion on your plate.
Variations and Substitutions
Herbs and Seasonings
You can experiment with adding different herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a fresh aroma and flavor.
Try a blend of Italian herbs to mix things up and give the chicken a Mediterranean vibe!
Cheese Options
Mix up your cheese game by trying pepper jack or mozzarella instead of traditional options.
Each cheese provides a unique taste and texture, enhancing the dish in unexpected ways.
Citrus Choices
Consider substituting lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus twist on your chicken.
These variations can add a new dimension to your meal, keeping it exciting every time you make it!
Cooking Methods
Try out roasting the chicken instead of pan-searing to achieve a light caramelization on the outside.
Roasting can be a great option for an evenly cooked, juicy interior with a crispy crust.
Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly while experimenting with different methods!
How to Store Leftover Texas Roadhouse Lemon Chicken
Cool Down First
You want to start by letting your lemon chicken cool to room temperature before storing it.
This helps prevent bacteria growth.
Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours.
Use Airtight Containers
Place the cooled lemon chicken in an airtight container.
This keeps it fresh and prevents any leaks or odors from mixing in your fridge.
Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are great choices for this!
Keep it Refrigerated
Store the container in the fridge if you’re planning to eat the leftovers within the next three to four days.
This will help maintain the chicken’s flavor and texture without drying it out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Uneven Cooking
You should always ensure your chicken is uniformly thick. If it’s not, you might end up with some parts overcooked and others underdone!
Flatten the chicken to achieve a consistent thickness. This helps in cooking the meat evenly and prevents any drying out.
High Heat
Watch the heat closely! If your skillet gets too hot, it might cause the chicken to burn before it is cooked through.
A smoking skillet is a sign to turn down the heat. You want a nice golden brown, not blackened.
Rushing the Process
Don’t get impatient and flip the chicken too soon! Giving it time ensures that nice crust forms.
Timing is everything. Allow the chicken to reach the perfect internal temperature without rushing to turn or remove it from the heat.
Texas Roadhouse Lemon Chicken Recipe
- 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon cut in half
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Flatten your chicken breasts using a meat mallet so they cook evenly.
- You’ll want them about the same thickness from end to end.
- Mix together the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with the mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- Press the lemon halves into the hot skillet, cut-side down, until charred.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to reabsorb the juices and stay moist.
- Squeeze the charred lemon over the top for an added zesty flavor.
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