Simple & Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon chicken has been a favorite in households for generations due to its simplicity and delightful tangy flavor. This classic dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet flavorful meal without compromising on taste.

This recipe provides you with an easy, quick cooking time of around 30 minutes, yielding about four servings. It’s ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Lemon chicken can be served either hot off the grill or pan-fried in your kitchen. The key to making it a hit is ensuring that both lemon and garlic are finely chopped.

Ingredients

For this dish, you will need:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
3 large lemons, zested and juiced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

To prepare lemon chicken, follow these steps:

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together half of the lemon juice, all of the zest, and minced garlic along with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken with this mixture, ensuring it is well-impregnated on both sides. Place the coated chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and marinate for at least 30 minutes to one hour, allowing flavors to meld.
Mix the remaining lemon juice into the marinade once the chicken has been marinated.
Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, about 10 minutes per side if frying or around 5-6 minutes each side on the grill for grilling.
Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to add an extra burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

To enhance the experience, consider these tips:

For those who love more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of lemon juice and zest or substitute it with a hint of honey.
Add some diced onions for extra flavor when sautéing the chicken.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Information

Lemon chicken is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits due to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants from fresh lemons, as well as lean protein from chicken breasts. The dish remains low in saturated fat when prepared without heavy cream or butter.

Vitamin C Content: Lemons are rich sources of Vitamin C which aids in enhancing the immune system, promoting healthy skin and blood vessel function, and reducing inflammation.
Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality protein which supports muscle maintenance and recovery.

Cooking Time & Servings

The preparation time for this recipe is about 10 minutes, including slicing the chicken breasts and mixing marinade ingredients. Marination requires approximately one hour. Actual cooking time depends on your preferred method—about 35-45 minutes altogether when using a skillet or grill.

This dish serves four people comfortably; hence it’s suitable for family dinners, potlucks, casual lunches, or romantic evening meals with that special someone.

Conclusion

Lemon chicken is more than just an appetizing meal; it's also a testament to the power of simple ingredients and classic flavors. Its refreshing yet bold taste will surely delight all your guests or family members. Whether you're preparing this for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, lemon chicken remains a go-to dish that everyone loves.

Try this recipe at home soon! You won’t regret the time spent creating this delightful and healthy meal.