Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you love vibrant, zesty flavors, Lemon Garlic Chicken is about to become your new obsession! This Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with the bright punch of citrus, heaps of fresh parsley, and mellow, aromatic garlic. It comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests—and always disappears in a flash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Lemon Garlic Chicken shine is how a short list of humble ingredients builds such big, bold flavor. Each one has a special job—add brightness, boost savoriness, or keep the chicken impossibly juicy and vibrant. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Lemons: Freshly zested and juiced, lemons are the secret to that signature tangy brightness. One goes in the marinade, one brings finishing sparkle to the plate.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps brown the chicken while keeping it moist and golden.
• Garlic Cloves: Use plenty—garlic infuses both the marinade and the chicken with savory, aromatic punch.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs adds traditional Mediterranean warmth and depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick; leave them out if you prefer a milder chicken.
• Italian Parsley: Bright, fresh parsley weaves color and freshness through every bite and makes a pretty garnish, too.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are easy to slice and cook evenly, but you can switch to thighs if you love dark meat.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for coaxing out the full flavor of the marinade and chicken alike.
• Additional Olive Oil: For pan-searing the chicken and achieving those irresistible, caramelized edges.

Variations

The magic of Lemon Garlic Chicken is how wildly customizable it is. Don’t hesitate to get creative—whether you need to swap ingredients, tweak for dietary needs, or just want to mix up the flavors, this recipe gives you plenty of room to play.

• Use Chicken Thighs: For extra-juicy, richer-tasting chicken, substitute boneless or bone-in thighs; just adjust the cook time accordingly.
• Make It Dairy-Free or Keto: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and low-carb, so just keep your favorite sides in mind for your eating style.
• Turn Up the Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh basil, oregano, or thyme, or add a handful of chopped mint for a unique twist.
• Add Veggies: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers to cook alongside the chicken for a built-in side dish.
• Spice It Up: Amp up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a bolder, spicier kick.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Zest and juice one lemon into a large mixing bowl, making sure to capture all the oils and flavor from the skin. Add the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Whisk everything together until the marinade is bright and fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when you can already smell that lively lemon-garlic aroma!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. With your non-dominant hand gently pressing down, carefully slice each breast in half horizontally to create thin, even cutlets. If any pieces look a little thick, cover with plastic wrap and give them a few gentle whacks with a kitchen mallet—this ensures they’ll cook quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Marinate and Season

Use paper towels to pat the chicken cutlets dry—this simple step helps them brown beautifully. Sprinkle both sides liberally with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the marinade, turning each piece so it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours if you have time), letting all that garlicky, lemony flavor soak in.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium heat and swirl in a generous layer of olive oil. Working in batches if needed, arrange the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet—don’t crowd the pan or you’ll lose that gorgeous sear. Cook each side for about 4 minutes, until they’re deeply golden, juicy, and just cooked through (the juices should run clear).

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once the internal temperature hits 160°F, take the chicken off the heat and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute—this keeps every bite extra tender. Meanwhile, slice your reserved lemon. To serve, arrange the chicken on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and scatter those sparkling lemon slices over the top for a truly inviting finish.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

For that chef’s touch, a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley and a few thin slices of fresh lemon go a long way. They don’t just make your Lemon Garlic Chicken beautiful—they add a little pop of color and a hint of extra brightness in every bite.

Side Dishes

Lemon Garlic Chicken is fabulously versatile! Pile it over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous, tuck it next to crisp roasted potatoes, or serve alongside a big arugula salad dressed with extra lemon and olive oil. Don’t forget warm pita and a generous scoop of tzatziki if you want to go full Mediterranean.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cooked chicken for sandwiches, stuff it into wraps with greens and hummus, or layer over grain bowls for lunch prep. For a fun dinner-party platter, arrange the cutlets on a big board with roasted veggies, olives, and small bowls of dip for easy family-style serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (they go fast here!), tuck cooled Lemon Garlic Chicken into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay juicy and fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches or busy night dinners.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer’s best friend! Simply let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To keep the chicken tender, reheat gently—either covered in a 325°F oven or sliced and quickly warmed in a lightly oiled skillet. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brings back all the bright, lively flavor you love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Lemon Garlic Chicken—it’s sunshine in a skillet and a true crowd-pleaser every time. I hope this recipe brings as much joy, flavor, and warmth to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to, too!

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