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Zesty Lemon Chicken Recipe: Easy & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Zesty Lemon Chicken Recipe combines juicy chicken with a tangy lemon sauce for a refreshing and comforting meal. Perfect for impressing family and friends, it’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge will enhance the flavor.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. You want the pan hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest. In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. You can add a splash of chicken broth to enhance the flavor.
  5. Slice the chicken and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for an extra touch. Serve with your favorite side, like rice or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to avoid this. Feel free to add capers or olives to the sauce for a briny kick, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for added flavor.