Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
14 mins
-
Marinating Time
8 hrs
-
Total Time
8 hrs 19 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
210 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken
Description
This lemon chicken recipe centers on marinating chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, dried basil, oregano, and salt. The marinade imparts a pronounced lemon flavor and mild herbal background, tenderizing the meat moderately depending on marination time. After marinating from a minimum of 30 minutes to up to 8 hours, the chicken is seared in a hot skillet to develop a slight crust while cooking the interior to a safe temperature.
The cooking process yields chicken breasts infused with citrus brightness, a hint of herbs, and a balanced saltiness. The lemon juice adds acidity that complements the olive oil’s richness, while the herbs provide an aromatic backdrop. The technique produces a juicy interior with a flavorful exterior crust.
This dish can be served hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, pairing well with vegetables, rice, or salad. The marinade can be prepared in a plastic bag or a shallow dish depending on convenience.
Marinate within the suggested time frames to avoid mushy chicken, and even a brief 15-minute marinade can impart noticeable flavor. Using a container alternative to plastic bags is a practical option.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1/2 cup lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, basil, oregano, and salt to the bag. Shake the bag gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and place in the hot skillet. Discard leftover marinade.
- Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, flipping once halfway through.
- Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for good flavor, up to 8 hours for deeper taste but avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent a mushy texture.
- A quick 15-minute marinade is sufficient when short on time.
- You can marinate chicken in a shallow dish by whisking the marinade and pouring over the chicken as an alternative to a plastic bag.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 210 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1breast | |
| Calories | 210kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 278mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 505mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 35IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 29.9mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
