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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
- 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.
- Incorporate cold butter, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to gently simmer and reduce, creating a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Reunite chicken with the skillet, coating each piece generously with the luscious sauce. Warm for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors completely.
- 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