Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Easy lemon garlic chicken with fresh lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herb marinade, with instructions for both stovetop and oven cooking.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Layer the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts so they are of uniform thickness. This will help them to cook evenly.
Add the peeled garlic to a cutting board and lightly smash with the side of a chef's knife. Add the salt and using the side of the knife, work the garlic into a smooth paste. Transfer garlic paste to a large zip-top bag along with lemon zest and juice, parsley, oregano, red pepper, black pepper and olive oil. Seal the bag and give it a gentle shake to combine all of the ingredients. Add the chicken breast and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
When ready to cook, you can either cook the chicken in a skillet or in the oven.
To cook the chicken in a skillet:
Set a large coated cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken breast from the marinade and set in the pan smooth side down. Let cook undisturbed for about 7 to 9 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 7 to 9 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers the chicken at 165˚F.
Remove from heat and set on a plate to rest. Cover with foil to keep warm, then serve after about 5 to 10 minutes.
To cook the chicken in the oven:
Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil.
Remove the chicken breast from the marinade and place on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 16 to 22 minutes, or until or until an instant-read thermometer registers the chicken at 165˚F.
If desired, preheat the broiler to high and set the sheet pan under the boiler for about 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set on a plate to rest. Cover with foil to keep warm, then serve after about 5 to 10 minutes.
- My Top Tip: Don't over-marinate your chicken! If you let your meat marinate for more than 4 hours, the acid in the marinade will start to break down the protein in the chicken, giving it an unpleasant, mealy texture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat your chicken in the microwave or in a skillet set over medium heat until it's warmed through.
- Freezing: Lemon garlic chicken breasts can also be frozen for up to 3 months, just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw your chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 851mg | Potassium: 966mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg
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