Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple yet elegant recipe packed with fresh, zesty flavors. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Lemon garlic chicken has always been a favorite in our home. I first made it when I was short on ingredients but wanted something flavorful. My husband immediately declared it a keeper, and my daughter loves dipping bread into the tangy sauce. It’s a go-to recipe that never fails to impress while being quick and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken

•Fresh and Zesty: The lemon and garlic sauce adds a bright, bold flavor.

•Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

•Versatile: Perfect with rice, pasta, or veggies.

•Healthy and Delicious: A light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients Notes For Lemon Garlic Chicken

•chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

•Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.

•Garlic: Minced for a rich, savory base.

•Butter and Olive Oil: A combination for flavor and browning.

•Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create the sauce.

•Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and parsley for garnish.

Recipe Steps

1.Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2.Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3.Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4.Make the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5.Return Chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6.Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

•Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

•Add capers for a briny twist.

•Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.

•Substitute chicken broth with white wine for a more robust flavor.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: Mediterranean-Inspired

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ Juice of 2 lemons about 1/4 cup
• ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine optional
• ▢ Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce:
• Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or white wine if using). Bring to a simmer.
• Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.