Description
Succulent lemon garlic chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors with zesty brightness and herbal complexity. Crisp skin and tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
- Lemon slices or wedges (optional for garnish)
- Cracked black pepper (to finish)
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoky paprika, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F), then carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, quickly adding finely chopped garlic and stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest into the pan, whisking to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce that reduces and slightly thickens within 2-3 minutes.
- Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the tangy lemon-garlic mixture and turning to ensure complete coating.
- Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reheat thoroughly.
- Transfer to serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, delicate lemon slices, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a final flourish.
Notes
- Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring a more tender and succulent result.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
- Adjust lemon intensity by using Meyer lemons for a sweeter profile or adding extra zest for a brighter, more vibrant citrus punch.
- Transform this dish into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using ghee instead of butter and serving with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg