Lemon Garlic Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
404 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken starts with pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness, promoting even cooking. The chicken is then marinated for up to several hours in a mix of garlic paste, fresh lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. This marinade contributes acidity and herbal freshness while tenderizing the meat. After marinating, the chicken can be cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat or baked in the oven, allowing flexibility depending on available equipment and preferences. Cooking undisturbed in a hot pan forms a lightly golden exterior while keeping the interior moist and flavorful.
The bright lemon and garlic flavors complement the tender chicken breasts well, making this suitable for a main dish alongside sides like vegetables, rice, or salad. The herbaceous and citrus notes offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken meat.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 4 (8-ounce) chicken breast
- 6 garlic peeled, cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large lemon zest and juice, plural
- 4 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Layer the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts so they are of uniform thickness. This will help them to cook evenly.
- Add the peeled garlic to a cutting board and lightly smash with the side of a chef's knife. Add the salt and using the side of the knife, work the garlic into a smooth paste. Transfer garlic paste to a large zip-top bag along with lemon zest and juice, parsley, oregano, red pepper, black pepper and olive oil. Seal the bag and give it a gentle shake to combine all of the ingredients. Add the chicken breast and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- When ready to cook, you can either cook the chicken in a skillet or in the oven.
To cook the chicken in a skillet:
- Set a large coated cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breast from the marinade and set in the pan smooth side down. Let cook undisturbed for about 7 to 9 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 7 to 9 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers the chicken at 165˚F.
- Remove from heat and set on a plate to rest. Cover with foil to keep warm, then serve after about 5 to 10 minutes.
To cook the chicken in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil.
- Remove the chicken breast from the marinade and place on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 16 to 22 minutes, or until or until an instant-read thermometer registers the chicken at 165˚F.
- If desired, preheat the broiler to high and set the sheet pan under the boiler for about 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set on a plate to rest. Cover with foil to keep warm, then serve after about 5 to 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 404 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1chicken breast | |
| Calories | 404kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 851mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 966mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 464IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 38mg | 42% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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