Pollo al Limone

Written By Aden Ennis

🇮🇹 WholeAF Around the World — Italy

Pollo al Limone (Traditional Italian Lemon Chicken Recipe)

A classic Italian lemon chicken recipe made with whole ingredients, traditional fats, and no shortcuts.

Why Pollo al Limone Is a Classic Italian Dish

Pollo al Limone is a traditional Italian lemon chicken recipe that highlights the fundamentals of Italian cooking: simplicity, balance, and ingredient quality. This WholeAF version stays true to its roots while following a whole-food, minimally processed approach that aligns with the WholeAF ethos.

Ingredients for Traditional Pollo al Limone

  • 1½ lb air-chilled chicken (bone-in thighs or breasts)

  • 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)

  • 3 tbsp butter, ghee, or traditional cooking fat

  • 2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • ½ cup clean chicken bone broth

  • Sea salt, to taste

  • Fresh cracked black pepper

  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

How to Make Pollo al Limone (Step-by-Step)

1. Season the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with sea salt and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

2. Sear Until Golden

Heat a heavy pan over medium heat. Add butter or ghee and sear the chicken skin-side down until deeply golden, about 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes.

3. Build the Lemon Sauce

Remove the chicken and add garlic to the pan. Cook briefly until fragrant, then deglaze with white wine. Reduce by half.

4. Simmer

Add bone broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Return chicken to the pan, lower heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender and fully cooked.

5. Finish and Serve

Finish with fresh herbs if using. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil just before serving if desired.

What to Serve with Pollo al Limone

  • Roasted or boiled potatoes

  • White rice or farro

  • Seasonal vegetables cooked simply

These sides keep the meal aligned with whole-food Italian cooking.

WholeAF Interpretation

This Pollo al Limone recipe follows the original principles of Italian cuisine—real ingredients, traditional fats, and careful technique. It avoids modern shortcuts like thickeners, starches, or processed sauces, proving that traditional food is already WholeAF.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420–450

  • Protein: 35–40g

  • Fat: From traditional sources only

FAQ

Is Pollo al Limone healthy?
Yes. Traditional Pollo al Limone uses whole ingredients, natural fats, and simple cooking methods.

Is this an authentic Italian lemon chicken recipe?
This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian Pollo al Limone and respects its core techniques and flavors.

Can I make Pollo al Limone without flour?
Yes. This version uses no flour or thickeners, keeping the sauce clean and bright.

Aden Ennis