Simple and Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon chicken is a favorite among many who enjoy simple yet flavorful meals. This versatile dish can be served with various side dishes such as rice or salad, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.

The recipe yields 4 servings and takes about 35 minutes to prepare, including cooking time. For best results, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while you gather the ingredients needed: chicken breasts (skinless and boneless), lemon slices, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.

1. Begin by preparing your cooking surface. If using a skillet, make sure it is dry or lightly greased to avoid sticking issues during the cooking process.
2. Mash the garlic cloves slightly with a knife or use a garlic press if you prefer a smoother texture in your dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic and finely chopped lemon slices. Set aside this marinade for later use.
4. Season each chicken breast generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch more of the fresh lemon zest. You can also add some black pepper or paprika to enhance flavor if desired.
5. Sprinkle half of your chopped parsley evenly across one side of all four pieces of chicken. This step ensures that when the chicken is flipped over during cooking, another layer of fresh herbs will be exposed for an extra burst of freshness.
6. Place the seasoned sides face down onto your preheated skillet or baking dish lined with parchment paper if using oven method to prevent sticking and easy clean up later on.

Once you have placed all four pieces of chicken into the pan, pour over about 1/4 cup of lemon garlic marinade. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center of the thickest part of a chicken breast.

If you are using an oven method, place your baking dish containing the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for roughly 20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, basting occasionally with additional lemon garlic marinade during this time.

Final Steps

7. Remove from heat/source of direct heat source (oven or stove). Let sit uncovered for about five minutes so that the juices redistribute throughout before serving. During this time, garnish each piece of chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
8. Transfer to a serving platter and present alongside steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots if preferred. Lemon chicken pairs wonderfully well with these sides but feels just as good served simply on its own.

This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients from lean protein sources found in the chicken breasts combined with vitamins C and B6 present in the lemon. Additionally, incorporating garlic adds beneficial compounds known to support cardiovascular health according to several studies.

Experiment by adding other ingredients like capers or green olives for a Mediterranean twist; you could also try using different citrus fruits such as lime instead of lemons if you want something slightly tangier. Regardless of how you choose to modify this basic concept, remember that the key elements remain consistency - fresh, quality ingredients prepared simply yet thoughtfully.

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p>Enjoy your homemade lemon chicken! It's a dish that promises to become one of those go-to favorites for any home cook looking forward to quick yet impressive meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition value.