Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The bright citrus and aromatic garlic create a delicious punch that complements tender chicken beautifully.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs on both sides.
- Step 2: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken, letting the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve the chicken with the garlic lemon sauce spooned over the top.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth when simmering the sauce for a richer taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist during cooking. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add garlic after searing the chicken to avoid burning. Sauté briefly until fragrant, then add lemon juice immediately.
PrintLemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
A vibrant and zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken sautéed to perfection with fresh garlic and bright lemon, enhanced by fragrant herbs and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade & Seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried herbs to infuse flavor.
- Make the lemon garlic mixture: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a fresh and aromatic sauce.
- Heat the pan: Warm a large skillet over medium heat until hot, then add a small drizzle of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip and add lemon garlic sauce: Turn the chicken over, pour the lemon garlic mixture over the chicken, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from the pan, let rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then serve topped with pan juices and optional fresh herbs.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, marinate the breasts in the lemon garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish and enhanced flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that juices run clear or using a meat thermometer.
Keywords: Lemon garlic chicken, sautéed chicken breast, easy lemon chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken
