Easy Tangy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe for Flavorful Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that spark excitement at the dinner table.

This succulent lemon garlic chicken recipe delivers an explosion of tangy and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a zesty blend of fresh ingredients, promising a meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

Bright citrus and aromatic garlic infuse each bite with remarkable depth and complexity.

The simple preparation ensures you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, this chicken dish transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Let’s unlock the secret to a restaurant-worthy dinner right in your own kitchen.

Lemon Garlic Chicken – Citrus and Herb Magic

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Packed with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, this chicken recipe delivers incredible taste in every single bite without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepares in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Creates a professional-style pan sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience, impressing dinner guests without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Adaptable Cooking Method: Works beautifully with different protein cuts like chicken breasts or thighs, allowing flexibility based on personal preference or what's available in your refrigerator.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken Masterpiece

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the centerpiece of this flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for marinating and cooking the chicken.
• Garlic, Minced Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the chicken and sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy tang that enhances the overall taste.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbal note to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify the chicken's natural flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle kick of heat to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich liquid base for the sauce.
• Butter: Adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish with a mild herbal flavor.

Cooking Directions for Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped thyme
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Submerge chicken in the marinade and let it soak up the delicious flavors for 30-60 minutes.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aromas

In the same skillet, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Build a Tangy Sauce Base

Pour in lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest, and splash chicken broth into the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, carefully scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce with Rich Flavors

• Butter
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes

Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, creating a slightly thickened consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the sauce over the top, letting the flavors meld together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Fresh Flair

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Kitchen Tips for Zingy Chicken Every Time

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep, zesty flavors into the meat.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness.
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan, adding rich, caramelized depth to your sauce.
• Crush dried thyme between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and enhance overall taste.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.

Variations on Lemon Garlic Chicken to Explore

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile, adding kalamata olives to the sauce for extra authenticity.
• Low-Carb Zesty Version: Skip the butter and use coconut oil instead, reducing the broth quantity and adding cauliflower rice as a side for a keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or ghee, ensuring the sauce remains creamy and rich without traditional dairy components.
• Spicy Citrus Fusion: Increase red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, and include orange zest alongside lemon zest for a bolder, more complex taste experience.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Plating Ideas

• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, allowing the zesty sauce to drizzle and enhance every bite.
• Bright Mediterranean Plate: Accompany the chicken with a crisp Greek salad, kalamata olives, and warm pita bread to create a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Veggie Companion Pairing: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers alongside the chicken to add color, nutrition, and complementary textures to the main dish.
• Herb Garnish Tip: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives just before serving to boost the herb profile and add a bright, fresh finishing touch that elevates the entire presentation.

Keeping Lemon Garlic Chicken Tasty

• Store leftover lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken remains delicious for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What does the marinade do for the chicken?

The marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich garlic and lemon flavors, making the chicken more flavorful and juicy before cooking.

• Can I skip the marinating step?

Yes, you can skip marinating and still have a delicious dish. The chicken will be seasoned during cooking and get plenty of flavor from the sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works best for achieving a nice golden sear and developing rich, flavorful pan sauce.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Garlic Chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table with zesty flavors that dance across tender, juicy meat. Effortless preparation and bold seasonings make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large or 4 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 lemon zest

Marinade Ingredients (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.25 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, crushed garlic, tangy lemon juice, fragrant thyme, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
2. Warm a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and chicken broth. Scrape accumulated caramelized bits from the skillet bottom to capture deep flavor nuances.
5. Incorporate cold butter, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to gently simmer and reduce, creating a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
6. Reunite chicken with the skillet, coating each piece generously with the luscious sauce. Warm for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors completely.
7. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, showcasing the herb-infused, citrusy chicken masterpiece.

Notes

• Create a quick marinade ahead of time to infuse deeper flavor into the chicken, allowing the herbs and citrus to tenderize the meat before cooking.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before searing chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelized edges.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a crispier exterior and more even browning during cooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish more family-friendly or bolder depending on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg