What To Know
- Place the desired amount of lemon chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon sauce for a touch of heat.
- Make a hearty lemon chicken soup by simmering the cooked chicken in a flavorful broth with vegetables and noodles.
Yes, lemon chicken can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy this delectable dish at your convenience. This blog post will guide you through the steps of preparing lemon chicken in advance, ensuring it remains flavorful and fresh.
Benefits of Making Lemon Chicken Ahead of Time
- Convenience: Prepare the dish when you have time and enjoy it later without the hassle of last-minute cooking.
- Time-saving: Eliminate the stress of cooking a meal after a long day or when hosting guests.
- Meal planning: Plan your meals ahead of time and have a delicious dish ready to go when you need it.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Ahead of Time
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and remaining salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the lemon sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, and parsley.
5. Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the lemon sauce and stir to coat.
6. Store the lemon chicken: Transfer the lemon chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tips for Reheating Lemon Chicken
- Microwave: Place the desired amount of lemon chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm the lemon chicken in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Variations on Lemon Chicken
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon sauce for a touch of heat.
- Garlic Lemon Chicken: Sauté a few cloves of minced garlic in the olive oil before cooking the chicken.
- Lemon Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the skillet with the chicken.
Other Make-Ahead Lemon Chicken Options
- Lemon Chicken Marinade: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and spices before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor.
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Make a hearty lemon chicken soup by simmering the cooked chicken in a flavorful broth with vegetables and noodles.
Answers to Your Questions
Can I freeze lemon chicken?
Yes, you can freeze lemon chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How long does lemon chicken last in the refrigerator?
Cooked lemon chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with lemon chicken?
Lemon chicken pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
