Description
This Chicken Salmoriglio recipe features tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a bright and zesty Southern Italian lemon herb sauce. The vibrant salmoriglio sauce, made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and parsley, perfectly complements the savory chicken for a light yet flavorful main course that’s gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salmoriglio Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor and allows for a nice sear.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Make the Salmoriglio Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped oregano, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This tangy sauce will infuse the chicken with bright herbal notes.
- Serve: Spoon the salmoriglio sauce generously over the warm chicken breasts. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Salmoriglio is a traditional Southern Italian sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish.
- Serve this dish with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad to complete the meal.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the salmoriglio sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
