Simple & Savory Lemon Garlic Chicken

Keyword: lemon garlic chicken

Cooking a delicious meal at home can be as simple as this lemon garlic chicken. This versatile recipe is perfect for those who love fresh, vibrant flavors and a healthy yet satisfying dish. With its rich taste of lemon and garlic, it adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Preparing a batch of this chicken not only satisfies your hunger but also elevates the overall dining experience.

This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quick, easy-to-make dinner without sacrificing quality. The cooking time for this dish is approximately 35 minutes and serves four people, making it ideal for family gatherings or intimate dinners alike.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
2 large lemons
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for searing

Preparation Steps

Start by preparing your main ingredients. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and set aside. Cut both lemons into thin slices to be used as a garnish.
Mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice from one of the lemons (about 3 tablespoons), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Place chicken breasts into a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
Raise the oven’s temperature to 425°F (220°C) if you plan on roasting your chicken breasts in an oven. If you choose to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat.
Once the chicken is marinated and the oven or grill is ready, sear the chicken briefly over high heat until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side for grilling, or until nicely caramelized in the oven).
Roast/grill the chicken breasts for about 15-18 minutes (grill time may vary) or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Be sure to rotate halfway through cooking if using a grill.
Remove from heat/source of heat and let rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute, ensuring you get juicy, tender meat.

Garnish and Serve

While your chicken is resting, mix one tablespoon of lemon zest with chopped fresh parsley. Once rested, place each piece of chicken onto serving plates or platters. Top each breast generously with the mixture of lemon zest and parsley for a vibrant finish.

If you prefer, serve the chicken alongside a side salad, steamed vegetables, or rice pilaf to complement the flavors. This dish pairs excellently with a glass of white wine, providing an exquisite combination that will surely impress your guests at dinner parties or casual family dinners.

Additional Tips

To ensure even cooking in the oven, place the chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around and underneath them for even heat distribution.
If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding some capers or olives into your marinade. These ingredients not only add more texture but also enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile of this dish.
To make a quick version of this recipe using leftover chicken breasts, use it in salads with additional lemon dressing, crumbled feta cheese, and mixed greens for a fresh and satisfying lunch option.

Conclusion

The combination of lemons and garlic transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect to prepare when you want to impress your family or friends with a delicious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether it's served as an elegant main course for dinner or transformed into a salad for lunch, this versatile recipe never fails to deliver both taste and satisfaction.