Description
Classic Lemon Garlic Chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from Greek kitchens. Succulent chicken marinated in zesty citrus and aromatic garlic creates a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 lbs (680 to 907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by whisking together tangy citrus extract, aromatic crushed garlic cloves, fragrant olive oil, freshly chopped herbaceous leaves, and seasoning.
- Submerge poultry pieces completely in the vibrant liquid mixture, ensuring thorough coating for maximum flavor infusion. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Heat cooking surface to medium-high temperature, preparing a grill pan or skillet with light oil coating to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer marinated chicken onto hot cooking surface, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior. Rotate protein midway through cooking process to ensure even heat distribution.
- Monitor internal temperature using meat thermometer, cooking until poultry reaches safe 165°F (74°C). This typically requires approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Remove chicken from heat source, allowing protein to rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial resting period helps redistribute internal juices, ensuring a tender and succulent final dish.
- Plate the aromatic chicken, garnishing with additional fresh herb sprigs or citrus wedges for enhanced visual appeal and complementary flavor profile.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more vibrant flavor profiles that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried to enhance the aromatic quality and brightness of the dish.
- For gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg