Delicious and Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Lemon garlic chicken is a classic favorite that many people love for its tangy, zesty flavor profile. This versatile dish can be served over rice or noodles to make a complete meal. Today's recipe will show you how to prepare this delicious lemon garlic chicken with ease and minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Time and Servings

This lemon garlic chicken recipe is easy to make, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. It serves 4 generous portions.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined into a marinade. Place chicken breasts in this mixture; make sure each side is thoroughly coated with marinade. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chicken has marinated, place them on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside when cut at thickest part.
3. Garnish: Remove from the oven once done; garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot. Serve immediately while it’s still warm!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken

• For extra flavor, add some capers to your marinade.
• If you want a bit more kick in heat levels, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the last five minutes of cooking time.
• To make this dish even heartier, pair it with a side vegetable such as roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed broccoli.

Health Benefits of Lemon Garlic Chicken

The ingredients used in making lemon garlic chicken offer several health benefits:

• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C which supports immune function.
• Garlic: Known for its antimicrobial properties and potential cardiovascular benefits due to sulfur compounds like allicin.
• Chicken Breast: A good source of lean protein essential for muscle growth and repair.

Variations on This Recipe

To add variety, you can try some different options:

• Use whole chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tenderness but slightly higher calorie count.
• Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange to change the flavor profile without altering much else about your dish.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic chicken is not just a simple meal; it’s a delightful culinary creation that brings out vibrant flavors from every bite. Whether you're having this as part of a family dinner, a quick lunch break at work, or preparing something special for guests, this recipe stands out because of its simplicity and deliciousness.

With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish proves to be versatile enough to suit various occasions and preferences. Try it today and enjoy the zest! Serve some alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that everyone will love!

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings