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Italian Lemon Chicken

Italian Lemon Chicken
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Italian Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. This vibrant dish delivers bright, zesty flavors with a juicy and tender texture, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Adaptable and healthy, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and offers flexibility for personal touches like adding capers or fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This blend infuses the chicken with bright, herbaceous flavor that defines the dish.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to tenderize the meat and enhance the lemon notes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Lower the heat, add a splash of chicken broth, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. Stir any remaining marinade and pan juices into the skillet with a bit of lemon juice and fresh herbs if desired. Let the sauce reduce slightly, then drizzle over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Italian Lemon Chicken alongside your favorite sides, spoon some sauce over the top, and enjoy the harmonious blend of zest, herbs, and savory chicken in every bite.

Notes

  • Marinate adequately: Even a short marinating time boosts flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a golden sear.
  • Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest deliver far better flavor than bottled options.
  • Rest the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes so juices redistribute evenly.
  • Monitor cooking time: Avoid overcooking to maintain juicy, tender chicken instead of dry meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Lemon Chicken, lemon chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, easy chicken dinner, lemon garlic chicken

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/italian-lemon-chicken/