Chicken with Garlic and Lemon is a delicious and simple dish that combines tender chicken with the bright flavors of lemon and the savory warmth of garlic. This dish is versatile and can be made as a quick weeknight dinner or dressed up for a more special occasion. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 6-8 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: A few lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest.
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Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this point.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
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Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice, remaining lemon zest, and oregano.
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Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
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Finish the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet.
- Stir in the butter to the sauce until melted and smooth. This will add richness to the sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if needed.
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Serve:
- Plate the chicken and spoon the garlic lemon sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices.
Enjoy!
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it a perfect all-around meal.
