Description
Chicken salmoriglio is a classic Italian Mediterranean dish featuring juicy chicken with a zesty lemon-herb sauce made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare yet bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or elegant entertaining. Its versatility makes it pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Salmoriglio Sauce:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, capers, or a splash of white wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and transfer skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with remaining sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best citrus flavor.
- Searing before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize with herbs like basil or oregano, or swap chicken for salmon or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet + Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg