Our Most Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipes

By Patricia S York
January 10, 2017
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner
A twist of lemon can add brightness and pop to a recipe, transforming it from good to great. Since lemon is one of the most popular citrus fruits, and chicken is one of the most popular go-to ingredients for meals, what could be more natural, and delicious, than to combine the two? Whether you zest it, squeeze it, broil it, or bake it, this lemon adds a pop of real flavor magic to chicken soups, chicken salads, and chicken main dishes. A chilled chicken salad is the ultimate picnic food, so simply add some homemade ice cream for a summertime treat. If you are having company for Sunday dinner, add a spectacular side dish to one of our roast chicken recipes, and you are ready for the crowd. Check out this lineup of delicious lemon chicken recipes.
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Lemon Orzo Meatball Soup

Credit: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Lemon Orzo Meatball Soup

Liven up your weeknight cooking routine with this tasty soup. Ground chicken, lemon, rosemary, and other flavorful ingredients come together in less than 45 minutes to create this savory and satisfying meal.

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Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Israeli couscous is also sometimes labeled pearl couscous. Your favorite rice makes a great substitute for couscous.

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Classic Double Roast Chickens

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Classic Double Roast Chickens

This rosemary and lemon flavored recipe is for two chickens, which will yield enough meat for at least two to three meals.

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Lemon-Dill Chicken Salad-Stuffed Eggs

Recipe: Lemon-Dill Chicken Salad-Stuffed Eggs

Grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavor to such a simple recipe; however, 5 cups shredded cooked chicken can be substituted. Make this salad ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Nicknamed "Anytime Chicken" by the Test Kitchen, this one-pan dinner will become your favorite go-to supper for weeknights or easy entertaining with friends.

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Marinated Chicken Quarters

Recipe: Marinated Chicken Quarters

Marinate the chicken in the morning, and then toss it on the grill when you get home. Lemon juice, garlic, and herbs make for a flavorful marinade, and bone-in breast halves can be used in place of the chicken quarters.

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Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

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Lemon-Basil Chicken Salad

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Lemon-Basil Chicken Salad

Baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor and color to this delightful chicken salad. Ideal for luncheons, brunches, and showers, serve this tasty salad on whole grain flatbread.

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Roast Chicken

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Roast Chicken

This delicious and easy Roast Chicken recipe makes Sunday dinner a snap. Short on ingredients but long on flavor, even a novice cook can master this dish.

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Cast Iron Chicken Piccata

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Piccata

This impressive one-dish meal goes from stove-top to table in just 30 minutes. Add lemon juice, capers, and parsley right before serving to help maintain their vivid color and bold flavor.

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Chicken Salad Pitas

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken Salad Pitas

Pepper jelly, ground red pepper, and lemon zest work together to add a sweet-hot zing to these tasty pitas.

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Lemon Chicken

Recipe: Lemon Chicken

This top-rated main dish recipe has a short ingredient list, which means it comes together fast and is ideal for a busy weeknight. Pair this dish with crisp veggies and a side of rice for a delicious dinner that your family is sure to love.

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Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Grilling the chicken and vegetables gives this healthy and hearty salad a smoky, sweet flavor. You can substitute sliced celery for fennel and pearl barley or wheat berries for farro.

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Tangy-Sweet Lemon Chicken

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Tangy-Sweet Lemon Chicken

This recipe takes a little time, but it is well worth it. Mediterranean flavors meld deliciously in this chicken dish, which is ideal for a special event. Bone-in breasts are meaty and cook perfectly in the moist heat of the braise.

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Chicken Scaloppine with Spinach and Linguine

Recipe: Chicken Scaloppine with Spinach and Linguine

If you can't find chicken cutlets, use boneless, skinless chicken breast halves and pound them to a 1/4-inch thickness. Because this chicken is topped with both spinach and pasta, you've got your whole meal ready in 45 minutes.

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Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad

Recipe: Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad

This delicious pasta salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Ladies' Lunch. With the addition of chicken, it is hearty enough to satisfy everyone in your crowd.

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Lemon-Tarragon Chicken Salad

Recipe: Lemon-Tarragon Chicken Salad

This chicken salad, perfect for a brunch or picnic, is loaded with everything that makes a chicken salad so good—pecans, grapes, celery, sweet onions, and a twist of lemon.

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Soulful Chicken Soup

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Soulful Chicken Soup

No dish is quite as soothing as a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. Slow cookers couldn't have made the road to comfort any easier: Simply toss in the ingredients, switch on, and then walk away. We love old-fashioned, wide egg noodles for this recipe. To make sure they aren't mushy and overcooked, don't leave them in the slow cooker any longer than 10 minutes.

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By Patricia S York