Chicken Limone Recipe

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Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 (4 ounce) chicken breast cutlets
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 lemon, quartered, for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and set up your workspace.
2. Season the chicken cutlets evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, ensuring they are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour and set the cutlets aside on a large plate.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a large plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the butter, minced shallot, and lemon zest to the leftover drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the shallot becomes softened, about 1 minute.
6. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and cook for another minute, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
7. Stir in the chicken broth and chopped parsley. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream, whisking vigorously to ensure the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
9. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
10. Garnish with quartered lemon slices and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	487	24%
Total Fat	26g	34%
Saturated Fat	10g	49%
Cholesterol	128mg	43%
Sodium	524mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	29g	11%
Dietary Fiber	6g	22%
Total Sugars	9g	-
Protein	39g	78%
Vitamin C	110mg	122%
Calcium	83mg	6%
Iron	3mg	16%
Potassium	667mg	14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story and Origins of Chicken Limone

Chicken Limone, often translated as lemon chicken, is a classic Italian-American dish that has roots in traditional Italian cooking, particularly from the coastal regions of Italy where citrus fruits flourish. While it shares similarities with Chicken Piccata, the use of cream in the sauce gives Chicken Limone a richer, more velvety texture. The dish emerged in Italian-American kitchens as immigrants adapted recipes to the ingredients available in the United States, creating a lighter, more approachable version of the lemon-butter chicken dishes of Southern Italy.

Regional Characteristics

In Italy, variations of lemon chicken are popular in regions such as Campania and Sicily, where lemons are abundant and used extensively in both sweet and savory recipes. Italian versions tend to emphasize fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and sometimes capers, but they rarely include cream. The American adaptationChicken Limoneincorporates cream or butter to enrich the sauce, balancing the bright acidity of the lemon with a smooth, savory finish. This subtle modification reflects the American preference for slightly heavier, comfort-style sauces.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Dishes

Unlike Chicken Piccata, which prominently features capers and a more tart lemon-butter sauce, Chicken Limone is distinguished by its gentle creaminess and absence of capers. The sauce is typically thicker and more luxurious, coating the chicken cutlets without overpowering the delicate flavor of the meat. This differentiates it from lighter Mediterranean-style lemon chicken dishes and positions it as a versatile entre suitable for casual family meals or refined dinners.

Where Chicken Limone is Served

Chicken Limone is commonly served in Italian-American restaurants, particularly in regions of the United States with strong Italian culinary influence, such as New York, New Jersey, and parts of California. It is also a popular choice for home cooking due to its simplicity and quick preparation time. Restaurants often pair it with pasta, risotto, or sauted vegetables, while home cooks may serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Garnishing with lemon wedges and fresh parsley adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor at the table.

Interesting Facts

• The word Limone in Italian simply means lemon, but in culinary terms, it signals the signature citrus-forward flavor of the dish.
• Chicken Limone is sometimes prepared with different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, though cutlets remain the most popular for their uniform cooking.
• The combination of lemon, butter, and cream creates a balance of acidity and richness that makes the dish widely appealing to both adults and children.
• Many chefs recommend zesting the lemon directly into the sauce rather than using pre-grated zest, as it enhances the fragrance and brightens the flavor dramatically.
• The dish has inspired numerous variations, including versions with white wine, capers, or garlic, each adding a subtle twist while keeping the essential lemony character intact.

FAQ about Chicken Limone Recipe

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