What is Chicken Limone
Chicken Limone (also known as Pollo Limone) is the perfect family dinner. Chicken breast pan-fried until golden and served smothered in a rich unctuous lemon butter sauce. With only 168 calories and 3 net carbs, this is a healthy meal everyone can enjoy.
Chicken Limone vs Chicken Piccata
Chicken Limone is often confused with chicken piccata. The main difference between the two is capers. Chicken piccata has capers in the sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below to make this keto-friendly recipe for chicken limone.
Optional extras – swap garlic and shallot for garlic powder and onion if needed. Roasted veggies go great with this Chicken Limone recipe. Eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, potatoes or cauliflower. Add grated parmesan cheese and chicken stock for a creamy lemon butter chicken.
How to Make Chicken Limone
Step 1. Slice chicken breast fillets into half lengthwise. Season both sides well with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Heat oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Work in batches, fry each breast until lightly golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3. Add one tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add garlic and shallot, and sauté until the onion is translucent; about 2-3 minutes
Step 4. Add chicken stock, gelatin, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice the chicken breasts with a sharp knife on a chopping board. They do not need to be beaten with a mallet or seasoned.
- Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens. It will become thick like a loose gravy.
- Making Chicken Limone in a Thermomix; extend the cooking time to reduce the sauce. It will thicken but may need extra time than the suggestion in the method.
Chicken Limone Leftover Hacks & Variations
- Chicken Limone Pasta. Shred or serve the whole chicken on top of the pasta. Ladle over the lemon butter sauce and serve with shredded parmesan.
- Shred leftover lemon chicken and fold through grilled or steamed cauliflower. Air fried green beans, creamy cauliflower mash, or cauliflower rice are also delicious with this Italian chicken dish.
- Stir through capers, parmesan and cream for a tasty Chicken Piccata or Chicken Francese.
Storing
Fridge – store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze – can be stored as easy frozen dinners. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Reheat – the microwave in short bursts at 30-second intervals. Alternatively, reheat in a covered heat-safe dish in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.
Our Favorite
Low Carb Italian Recipes
Be sure to let us know how much you love our easy chicken limone recipe in the comments. Happy cooking and keep an eye out for more Italian chicken recipes coming soon. Meg x
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Easy Chicken Limone
Ingredients
- 2 (2) chicken breast fillets about 250g / 1/2 pound each
- Salt flakes and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) salted butter
- 1 (1) golden shallot finely chopped
- 2 cloves (2 cloves) garlic finely chopped
- 3/4 cup (¾ cup) chicken stock or broth
- 3 teaspoons (3 teaspoons) powdered gelatin or 1/2 teaspoon glucomannan powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) finely grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) lemon juice
- Lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley to serve
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Slice chicken breast fillets into half lengthwise. Season both sides well with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Work in batches, fry each breast until lightly golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add one tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add garlic and shallot, sauté until the onion is translucent; about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth or stock, gelatin, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, and remaining butter. Once combined and the butter has melted, return the chicken to the pan and cook until heated through.
THERMOMIX METHOD
- Slice chicken breast fillets into half lengthwise. Season both sides well with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Work in batches, fry each breast until lightly golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and place into the mixer.
- Add one tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add garlic and shallot, sauté until the onion is translucent; about 2-3 minutes. Briefly deglaze the bottom of the pan with the stock and gelatin scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Transfer to mixer.
- Add the thyme to mixer; cook 8 min/120°C/reverse/stir. Check chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, cover to keep warm.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, and remaining butter; cook 6 min/120°C/reverse/speed 1/cap off or until reduced. Pour the sauce over the warmed chicken.
Notes
- Chicken Limone Pasta. Shred or serve the whole chicken on top of pasta. Ladle over the lemon butter sauce and serve with shredded parmesan.
- Shred leftover lemon chicken and fold through grilled or steamed cauliflower. Air fried green beans, creamy cauliflower mash, or cauliflower rice are also delicious with this Italian chicken dish.
- Stir through capers, parmesan and cream for a tasty Chicken Piccata or Chicken Francese. For creamy lemon sauce chicken; serve the chicken limone sauce over grilled chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
43 responses to “Easy Chicken Limone”
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This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes that I made. It is so easy and so delicious!-
So awesome to hear Amy!
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This was great! I was unsure of the gelatin but I followed your directions and it came out perfectly. Thanks!-
You are very welcome
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Delicious! I think chicken with sauce and a little citrus is one of life’s perfect combinations – simple, easy to make, and totally full of flavor. This recipe is delightful and we will definitely make it again.-
It is so good together isn’t it
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Wow! This chicken dish is incredibly so yummy and very delicious! It’s simple to make plus it’s a gluten-free! Only need 30 minutes to have is a big thumbs up from me too. -
Oh my god, have tried your Chicken Limone recipe and it is seriously fantastic – the tangy lemon sauce just takes the chicken to a whole other level!-
It is so good isn’t it!
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I was so happy to find your recipe! My husband does not like capers, and I really miss chicken piccata, so this was just perfect for the two of us – such a special weeknight dinner, and easy!!-
I am so happy you enjoyed it Jessica
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I love Citrus flavors and this dish is so easy and bursting with flavors. Perfect side dish for a festive Dinner or party. My family to love it.-
Yay! That is so good to hear Veena
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We loved this chicken! The citrus flavor shined through in each bite and made it extra flavorful. Added this to a salad and it was perfect!-
I am so happy you enjoyed the dish.
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After enjoying this recipe I am convinced that lemon and chicken were made for each other. Amazing!-
Yay!
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My whole family loved this chicken! Thanks for the recipe!-
You are very welcome
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Easy chicken Limone was delicious. Tha absolute perfect meal.-
It sure is
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This chicken limone recipe will be added to our recipe box for sure! Just the right amount of lemon flavor – and it looks and tastes like a gourmet entree!-
I am so happy you enjoyed it Stephanie.
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Tender and juicy chicken, this chicken limone was delicious. I’m certainly going to make this more often!-
Yay! That makes me so happy!
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It’s always a delight when the simple dishes taste like gourmet. This is great for any night of the week.-
It sure is. Thanks for the review Gloria.
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Easy roast dinner that comes in handy for our weeknight meals! Thank you 🙏🏼-
You are very welcome.
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Such a great recipe! We loved that lemony flavor. Perfect with the weather warming up.-
It sure is! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
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I’ve had chicken limone before, but this recipe is way better than that one was! Such a nice change for dinner!-
Yay! I like hearing it was better 🤣
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Just the perfect amount of lemon to accent the flavors in the chicken. This one is getting added to regular rotation!-
Enjoy!
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I didn’t have shallots, so I used a little bit of onion instead, and this still came out amazing!-
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it
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Just what I was after Megan! The chicken limone was awesome. We had it with you beans and feta and it was all delicious. There were no leftovers but I did like the ideas to add to pasta (your recipe of course). Next time. xx Thanks for another tasty dinner.-
You are very welcome Jessie
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