When you’re in the mood for a light yet flavorful dinner, look no further than Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken. This dish combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the boldness of Dijon mustard, creating a marinade that infuses the chicken with savory goodness. The vibrant, citrusy zing from the lemon perfectly balances the sharp and smooth Dijon, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s a quick, simple, and satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal. Just a few pantry staples like Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, and olive oil come together to create a marinade that’s both tangy and savory. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this recipe works beautifully with any cooking method, and the results are always tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, the marinade also doubles as a sauce, making it perfect for drizzling over the chicken or serving alongside your favorite sides.

Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables and potatoes to fresh salad or rice. It’s versatile enough to complement your favorite sides while being a dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner or special enough to serve at a dinner party. With its bright, fresh flavors and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken?

Selling Points:

• Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and Dijon creates a tangy, savory marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect dish for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
• Versatile: Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear the chicken, this recipe works with any method, offering flexibility to suit your preferences.
• Healthy and Light: This dish is light on calories but full of flavor, making it a great option for a healthy, satisfying meal.

What You Need for Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be tangy with a hint of mustard flavor.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to soak in.
   
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. If grilling, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If pan-searing, cook for 6-8 minutes per side in a lightly oiled skillet. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
   
4. Serve the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
   

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Dijon Chicken

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 15 minutes is enough for a quick marinade, marinating for an hour or two will intensify the flavors even more.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Juiciness: If you prefer bone-in chicken, this marinade works just as well. The bone adds extra moisture during cooking.
• Grill for Extra Flavor: If you’re grilling, the slight char on the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor that complements the tangy lemon and Dijon.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Herb Variations: Swap out the thyme for other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat and extra flavor.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium Dijon mustard and reduce the amount of salt in the marinade for a heart-healthy version of the dish.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower the Fat: For a lighter version, use a non-stick pan to sear the chicken and reduce the amount of olive oil. You can also use a cooking spray for grilling or baking.
• Increase Veggies: Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini to make the meal even healthier.
• Use Chicken Breasts with Skin for Extra Flavor: For a slightly richer version, use skin-on chicken breasts, which will retain moisture and provide additional flavor while cooking.

Closing for Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken

Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken is the ideal meal when you’re looking for something quick, flavorful, and healthy. The bright lemon and tangy Dijon mustard create a mouthwatering marinade that elevates the chicken to a whole new level of flavor. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or baking, this recipe is versatile and will yield tender, juicy chicken every time. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, but also impressive enough for a special dinner with friends or family. Give this recipe a try, and let its bright flavors and simplicity make dinner time a little bit easier and a lot more delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade. They are more flavorful and juicy, but the cooking time may vary slightly depending on their size.
   
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
   For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor, but avoid marinating for longer than 2 hours as the acid from the lemon could start to break down the chicken.
   
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
   Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken will still be moist and flavorful.
   
4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just place the chicken in a freezer bag with the marinade, and when you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or baking.
   
5. Can I add other spices to the marinade?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of honey for added sweetness. Customize the marinade to your liking.
   
6. What can I serve with this chicken?
   This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a well-rounded meal.
   
7. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is always the best option for this recipe. It’s much fresher and brighter in flavor than bottled lemon juice, making the marinade taste even better.
   
8. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
   You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Marinate and cook it in the same way for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
   
9. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some fresh chili peppers to the marinade for a spicy kick.
   
10. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
    This marinade is also great for other proteins like fish, pork, or turkey. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.
    

This Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken is a flavorful and simple recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tangy lemon and zesty Dijon mustard create a marinade that adds a burst of flavor to the chicken, making it tender and delicious every time. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this dish is versatile, healthy, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, give this Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Easy Lemon Dijon Chicken

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 lemon (juice and zest)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be tangy with a hint of mustard flavor.
• Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to soak in.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. If grilling, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If pan-searing, cook for 6-8 minutes per side in a lightly oiled skillet. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Serve the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.