Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired meal is baked in the oven and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika to infuse the meat with aromatic flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful color.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release the garlic’s fragrance, being careful not to let it burn.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth into the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the sauce over the chicken breasts. This mixture will add a bright, tangy flavor as the chicken bakes.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the pan juices generously over the chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired for a fresh and vibrant presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve this dish with rice, roasted vegetables, or over pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used as a substitute but will require a longer baking time, approximately 25-30 minutes in the oven.
- If preferred, the entire dish can be prepared on the stovetop by simmering covered on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
