Lemonáto - Lemon flavored chicken stew

  

   Lemon flavored casserole stews, or lemonáta (λεμονάτα) as we call them in Greek, are very popular because of the refreshing and slightly sour taste that the lemon juice and peel give to these dishes. Although lemon flavored dishes are cooked all year long, summer is the most popular season for lemonáta. Hot weather calls for light flavors! Poultry and beef are the most popular meat choices for this dish. 
Lemonáto can be served with pasta, rice or most preferably with homemade fried potatoes.

Lemonáto 

1 chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
100gr olive oil
1medium onion, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
Salt and ground pepper to taste
1litre of hot water or chicken stock
Juice and the peel from one lemon


In a large skillet over medium heat pour the olive oil and when hot add the chicken, skin side down, and brown quickly for 3 minutes. Turn the chicken over, add onion and the garlic, reduce the heat to medium- low and let the onion soften for  about 4-5 min. Season with salt and pepper, add the water or chicken stock, cover and let the chicken cook for 40-50min checking occasionally if the liquid is enough; add some more hot water if needed.
When the chicken has cooked, add the lemon juice and peel to the pot and cook for 2-3min more so that the flavors combine.
Serve hot with homemade fried potatoes or, if you prefer with pasta or rice.