Lemon Herb Italian Chicken with Creamy Polenta

My Lemon Herb italian chicken recipes bring Italy to your table! Tender chicken & creamy polenta - a weeknight treat. Get my tips for perfect chicken!

Alright, let’s get this Italian feast started!

Recipe Introduction: Your New Favorite Italian Chicken Recipes Await!

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, thinking "ugh, what again ?" then italian chicken recipes are what you need! this recipe gives you a vibrant, flavour packed meal that’ll banish dinner boredom, guaranteed .

It is so lemony and herbaceous! honestly, you’ll wonder where this recipe has been all your life.

A Little Taste of Italy: Where Did This Come From?

This dish takes inspiration from the heart of italian home cooking. picture sun-drenched kitchens and the amazing smells. it’s based on simple, fresh ingredients.

It's a medium-difficulty recipe. it should take around 55 minutes total. this recipe yields 4 generous servings of pure italian bliss, perfect for a family dinner.

Why You Need This Italian Chicken In Your Life

Chicken cooked in italian dressing is delicious. it is also a sneaky way to get a good dose of lean protein and fresh herbs.

Serve it for a special occasion, or just for a nice weeknight meal. what makes this recipe special? well, it's the bright, bold flavors and the creamy polenta that elevates the chicken.

Honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl!

Now that we've got you drooling (hopefully!), let's gather up the goods.

Alright, let's dive into the good stuff! this section is all about what you'll need to whip up some seriously good lemon herb italian chicken with creamy polenta .

Honestly, nothing too scary, promise!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Okay, so for the chicken, you'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. aim for about 6 oz (170g) each, yeah? quality-wise, look for chicken that’s nice and pink, not grey or slimy.

Trust your nose! you’ll also need 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil and 1 tbsp (14g) of butter. these help get that perfect sear.

For the sauce, we're talking about 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup (60ml) of dry white wine – pinot grigio works a treat, 1/2 cup (120ml) of chicken broth, 1/4 cup (60ml) of heavy cream, 2 tbsp (30ml) of fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp each of chopped fresh parsley and basil, and 1 tsp of lemon zest.

Fresh herbs make a huge difference, fyi.

For the polenta, it's simple: 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth, 1 cup (170g) of coarse ground polenta (not instant!), 1/2 cup (50g) of grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp (28g) of butter.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: YOU!

Listen, the magic's in the balance. for this, salt and pepper are your base. but don't underestimate the power of the fresh herbs.

They are crucial for our italian chicken recipes . a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice little kick! and always taste as you go.

I can't tell you the number of times i've saved a dish by just adding a little more lemon juice or a touch of salt.

When thinking about a simple yet delicious italian dressing chicken , we need to focus on those fresh flavors that truly sing! an italian dressing recipe chicken often hinges on a good quality italian dressing, of course, but we're making our own fresh, which is much tastier.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)

You really don't need a fancy kitchen for this. a large skillet or sauté pan is a must for searing the chicken.

A medium saucepan for the polenta. and a whisk, to keep that polenta smooth. if you're a bit of a worrier (like me!), a thermometer is handy to check the chicken reaches 165° f ( 74° c) .

But honestly, if you don't have one, just cut into the chicken to make sure it's cooked through. no pink!

Honestly, this dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients and a little bit of love. You got this! This is way tastier than any baked chicken recipes Italian dressing can make!

Okay, let's do this! Here's a section of the article, dripping with personality and those all-important keywords, focusing on the cooking method.

Let's Get Cooking: Lemon Herb Italian Chicken!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good italian dish? it's all about simple ingredients singing together. we are making italian chicken recipes tonight, but not just any italian chicken recipes ! we're elevating it, giving it a fresh, zesty twist.

Think sunshine in a pan, you know?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: mise en place , which is fancy talk for "get your stuff together". chop your parsley and basil, mince that garlic (no cheating with the jarred stuff, okay?).

Squeeze that lemon, seriously, the zest is the secret. having everything ready means smooth sailing. i use these steps for my go to recipe chicken pesto pasta salad too.

Time-saving tip? While the chicken's cooking, get the polenta bubbling away. Two birds, one stone, right?

Safety first! make sure your cutting board is stable, and keep those fingers away from the knife. no one wants a trip to a&e! also, when searing the chicken, watch out for splatters.

Oil burns? no thank you.

Sizzle, Simmer, Serve: The Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, ready to cook? Here we go:

1. Pound those chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch. Makes 'em cook evenly.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Medium-high heat, baby.
4. Sear the chicken for about 3- 4 minutes per side. Golden brown is the goal. This is key! . Set aside.
5. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds . Fragrant, not burnt!
6. Pour in the white wine. Scrape up those browned bits. Flavor city!
7. Add the chicken broth and simmer for about 5 minutes , until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in the cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes , or until the internal temperature is 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a thermometer and avoid overcooking the Italian Chicken Breast .

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

• Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. It lowers the temperature. Chicken needs space. My mom always over crowded the pan when she made Chicken Thigh Recipes Italian Dressing ; she swore the flavors blended better.
• Deglazing the pan is non-negotiable. This step brings all the flavor together into the Italian Dressing Chicken .
• Make-ahead option? The sauce can be made a day in advance! Just add the cream and herbs right before serving. This is my secret with my Italian Dressing Recipe Chicken .

And that's it! Serve over the polenta, maybe with a side salad. You've got a taste of Italy. You can also use Italian Dressing Chicken Oven if you prefer it baked!

I also have a similar recipe for Baked Chicken Recipes Italian Dressing , it is my mother's favorite! You'll get there in one recipe and get something that feels fancy.

Alright, let's flesh this out with some real talk! Here's the "Recipe Notes" section, all chatty and real.

Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Italian Chicken Recipes

So, you're about to tackle this lemon herb italian chicken , eh? awesome! before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that’ll make this dish sing.

We're talking beyond just the instructions. this is about making it your own. i've made my fair share of mistakes over the years, from slightly burning the garlic ugh! to almost forgetting the lemon juice.

We've all been there.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look & Taste Amazing

Listen, presentation matters. It's like putting on your best frock, innit? This Italian Dressing Recipe Chicken looks banging piled high on that creamy polenta.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Honestly, a sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way. Maybe a cheeky lemon wedge on the side. Oh, and don't be shy with the sauce. A good drizzle is always welcome.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Steamed asparagus? Yes, please! Or how about a simple green salad. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio is chef's kiss . It's all about that Italian vibe. This also works well with Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, leftovers. If you have any (seriously, who actually has leftovers with this Italian Baked Chicken ?).

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftover chicken in an airtight container. Stays good in the fridge for about 3 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): You can freeze it, but the polenta might get a bit weird. The Italian Dressing Chicken itself freezes better. Use within a month for best results.
• Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. A splash of chicken broth helps keep it moist. Microwave works too, but be careful not to dry it out.

Variations: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

Fancy a twist? Go for it! These Chicken Thigh Recipes Italian Dressing adapts well.

• Dietary Adaptations: Dairy-free? Coconut milk works wonders in the sauce. Gluten-free? Just make sure your chicken broth is GF.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try using fresh cherry tomatoes in the sauce. Or, if it's autumn, some sautéed mushrooms would be lush.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. did you know that research has shown that mediterranean diets, rich in lean proteins like chicken and olive oil, are associated with a lower risk of heart disease? it is not really that hard to create something very healthy using italian chicken breast .

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is roughly about 550 calories, loads of protein, and healthy fats. But hey, it’s all about balance, right?
• Key Health Benefits: Chicken's your mate for protein. Lemon's got vitamin C. And the fresh herbs are packed with antioxidants. Plus, Chicken Cooked In Italian Dressing just makes you happy. That's got to count for something, eh? Many home cooks search " Italian Dressing Chicken Oven " for the same flavors. Try it with " Baked Chicken Recipes Italian Dressing " too!

Honestly, whipping up italian chicken recipes is easier than you think! Don't be afraid to experiment. The kitchen is your playground, so get out there and have a bash! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new to cooking, is this one of those "italian chicken recipes" that's going to be a disaster?

Not at all! While this Lemon Herb Italian Chicken with Creamy Polenta recipe has a few steps, none are particularly difficult. We've designed it to be approachable. Just take your time, read through the instructions carefully, and maybe have a glass of vino handy for inspiration! You'll be saying "bellissimo" in no time.

Can I make this Lemon Herb Italian Chicken ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

You can definitely get a head start! The chicken and sauce can be made a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The polenta is best served fresh, as it can thicken upon standing. But If you need to make the polenta ahead of time, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Help! I don't have all the fresh herbs on hand. Can I still make this?

Absolutely. While fresh herbs add a vibrant touch, dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herb called for in the recipe. A dried "Italian herb blend" works pretty well in a pinch!

I'm watching my waistline, is there anything I can do to make this recipe healthier?

Of course! You can use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream in the sauce, though the sauce will be a little thinner. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese in the polenta, or even substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Serving with a larger portion of green vegetables is a good way to add volume to the meal!

What wine should I pair with this Lemon Herb Italian Chicken?

A crisp, dry Italian white wine is a fantastic choice! Think Pinot Grigio, Soave, or even a Vermentino. The acidity in the wine will complement the lemon and herbs in the chicken and cut through the richness of the polenta. If you're feeling adventurous, a light-bodied Italian rosé would also work beautifully. Cheers!

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for these italian chicken recipes?

Yes, grilling the chicken is a delicious option that adds a smoky flavor. Just be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness first, and grill them over medium heat until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Then you can either slice the grilled chicken and add it to the prepared sauce, or spoon the sauce over the grilled chicken when serving.

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