How to Make Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is one of those recipes that everyone loves because it’s packed with flavor and can be enjoyed for various occasions. Whether you're having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends on the weekend, this dish is versatile and delicious. This recipe yields 4 servings in about 30 minutes of active cooking time.

For this tasty meal, all you need are simple ingredients like chicken breasts, butter, garlic cloves, lemon, and olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory sauce that complements the mild flavor of the chicken perfectly. This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Steps to Prepare Lemon Garlic Chicken

The first step in making this dish is preparing the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little bit of olive oil. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

In a large skillet or pan, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic cloves and sauté until they become fragrant but not browned, about one minute. Garlic burns easily so be sure to keep an eye on it during cooking.

After the garlic has softened, stir in half a teaspoon of lemon zest and pour in the juice from your freshly squeezed or bought lemon. Mix everything together well ensuring that all pieces of chicken get coated with the garlicky lemon mixture. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, skin side down if you want to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes without flipping until a golden brown crust forms on top of each breast. Then carefully flip them over using tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking apart the meat. Continue cooking another few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s safe to eat.

Remove chicken from heat once cooked through and set aside to rest for at least five minutes before serving so flavors meld together inside the meat. During this time, strain any extra sauce into a bowl; reserve some of it as a drizzle over each portion when serving.

Tips & Variations

• To make the dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter used or replace part of it with olive oil.
• If you prefer milder flavors, use less lemon juice. For those who like their chicken extra tangy, feel free to add more lemon zest and juice.
• You could also experiment by adding some fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme during the last few minutes of cooking for additional freshness.

Once ready, slice into thin strips and serve with your favorite side dishes. This dish pairs wonderfully well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. Lemon garlic chicken not only looks appealing but also tastes fantastic too!

This versatile recipe allows for some flexibility depending on personal preferences and dietary needs. By adjusting the quantities of spices used or substituting ingredients based on what you have available in your kitchen, you can tailor this dish to suit any taste.