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Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken
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A quick and easy Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs seared to golden perfection and infused with fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and bright lemon zest. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this flavorful dish delivers moist, savory bites with a vibrant, fresh finish, complemented by a light sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (for deglazing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and zest the lemons, then squeeze the lemons to extract fresh juice. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure a flavorful, crisp crust when cooked.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear without moving for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in juices and builds fantastic flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Lemon: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to soften and become fragrant without burning. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, gently moving the chicken to coat it evenly with the aromatic mixture.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: If using, splash in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the cover and let the sauce reduce slightly, stirring occasionally. Once thickened to your liking, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Pat your chicken dry to get a lovely golden crust and avoid steaming.
  • Use fresh lemon and garlic for brighter flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; give chicken pieces space to sear properly.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect acidity balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/lemon-garlic-chicken/