Mediterranean Stanley Tucci’s Lemon Shallot Chicken with Fresh Herbs

🌿 Mediterranean Lemon Shallot Chicken with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, for extra juiciness)

• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large lemon (zested & juiced)

• 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Pat chicken dry, season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.

2. Sear:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Shallots & Garlic:
   In the same pan, add butter, shallots, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and lightly caramelized (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Deglaze:
   Pour in white wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly (2–3 minutes).

5. Lemon Flavor:
   Add lemon zest and juice, stir well. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over the pieces.

6. Simmer:
   Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

7. Finish with Herbs:
   Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, and basil before serving.

8. Serve:
   Plate chicken with pan sauce drizzled on top. Pairs beautifully with couscous, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 10–12 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.

Q2: What can I substitute for shallots?
Use mild onions (like yellow or sweet onion) or even leeks for a similar flavor.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—replace butter with extra olive oil for a fully dairy-free version.

Q4: What herbs work best?
Mediterranean herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil all shine here. You can mix and match.

Q5: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Store cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep it tender.

Q6: What side dishes pair well?

• Lemon orzo

• Garlic roasted potatoes

• Mediterranean quinoa salad

• Grilled zucchini or eggplant