Perfectly Balanced: A Simple Yet Flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Lemon garlic chicken is a classic dish that has been loved by many for its simple yet delightful flavor profile. The combination of citrus and savory notes perfectly complements the succulent pieces of chicken, making it a popular choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

This recipe provides you with a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, serving approximately four people. Whether you're looking to enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with some steamed vegetables and rice, lemon garlic chicken is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Zest & juice from 1 lemon (approximately)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
(Optional): Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You can also use a skillet if you prefer to cook it on the stovetop.

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl or large ziplock bag, combine the lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly blended together.
Marinate the chicken: Place your prepared chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. Let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply within the meat.
Cooking method (oven): If using an oven, lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil and place your marinated chicken pieces inside it. Bake in preheated oven until fully cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), about 20-25 minutes.
Cooking method (stovetop): For stove top cooking, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for around 8 minutes per side until fully cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Garnish: Once your lemon garlic chicken has been prepared to perfection, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Variations

To enhance the flavor further, consider adding some chopped shallots or red pepper flakes to the marinade for added depth of taste. You could also vary the type of citrus fruit used - lime can create a zesty twist while orange adds a hint of sweetness.
For those who enjoy extra crispy skin, increase cooking time slightly by adding an additional 5 minutes in both oven and stovetop methods to allow more time for browning and crisping the outer layer of your chicken.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Based on one serving:

Total Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 16 g
Protein: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fiber: 1 g

Conclusion

Lemon garlic chicken is more than just a simple recipe; it's an opportunity to explore the delightful balance between different flavors. Its ease of preparation and appealing taste make this dish particularly suitable for busy individuals seeking wholesome, delicious meals without sacrificing quality.

Give lemon garlic chicken a try today! With its versatile nature and endless possibilities, you'll find yourself coming back to this recipe time after time as part of your regular meal rotation.