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Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish made by marinatingchicken in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. This easy recipecreates tender, juicy chicken with a refreshing, zesty flavor from the lemonand a savory kick from the garlic. It's a simple yet delicious meal that can begrilled, baked, or pan-seared, and is often served with vegetables, rice, or alight salad.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/drumsticks)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Baking dish or pan
  • Tongs or a fork
  • Sharp knife
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the garlic and herbs are evenly mixed into the liquid.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated well. If you have time, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. For a quicker version, you can skip the marination step and proceed to cook immediately.
  3. Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure a nice sear on the chicken.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. If you're using a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Be mindful of the heat level when cooking the chicken. If the pan is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking properly on the inside. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-high for the best results. Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful!