Lemon Garlic Chicken is a classic dish that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the savory richness of garlic. It’s a versatile recipe that works well for weeknight dinners, yet is elegant enough for special occasions. The dish is simple to prepare, but its depth of flavor will impress anyone who tries it. Here’s a detailed recipe that will guide you through making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Lemon:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Garlic:
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- Olive Oil:
- 3 tablespoons
- Butter:
- 2 tablespoons
- Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (for added moisture and flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and dried oregano or thyme. Ensure both sides are evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
Simmer the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the lemon garlic sauce over the top. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Optional Additions:
For a more complete meal, you can add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll absorb some of the sauce and make a perfect side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Marinating: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Spiciness: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added along with the parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over your side dishes.
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of lemon and garlic creates a sauce that’s both bright and savory, perfectly complementing the tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.