Lately, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with anything that combines creamy and zesty flavors—it’s like a dance party for your taste buds. This Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for those nights when you just need a comforting hug from your food, yet don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s so irresistibly good that even your picky eater friend (you know the one) might just ask for seconds.
Steps
- Prepare the Marinade: Zest and juice one lemon into a large bowl, then add olive oil, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients until well combined and set aside.
- Slice the Chicken: Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, hold it steady with one hand, and carefully slice it horizontally with a sharp knife to create two thin cutlets. If needed, flatten the cutlets with a kitchen mallet covered with plastic wrap.
- Season and Marinate: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, ensuring even coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken cutlets in batches to prevent overcrowding. Sear each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Rest and Slice Lemon: When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, remove it from the heat and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to reach 165°F and ensure no pink remains inside. Meanwhile, slice the remaining lemon.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the rested chicken with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve the chicken whole or slice it as desired.
Ingredients
- 2 lemons (zest and juice from one, slice the other for garnish)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 large cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 large breasts)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil for cooking
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the lemon garlic chicken?
- It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and no more than two hours. Over-marinating can cause the meat to become tough due to the lemon’s acidity.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. If you choose bone-in, skin-on thighs, cook them for about 10 minutes on each side.
- What is the secret to juicy chicken breasts?
- The key is slicing the chicken into thin, even cutlets, which ensures they cook uniformly. Also, marinating them deeply infuses flavor while keeping the meat moist.
- What should I do if my chicken breasts are different thicknesses?
- If your chicken breasts are uneven, slice them into thinner cutlets and, if necessary, flatten them with a kitchen mallet to ensure even cooking.
- What can I serve with lemon garlic chicken?
- Lemon garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a grain like quinoa or couscous to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
Tips
- Even Out the Chicken Thickness: To ensure even cooking and avoid dry chicken, slice the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets, making them uniform in thickness. This prevents overcooking one side while undercooking the other.
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than two hours, as the acidic lemon juice can toughen the meat if left too long. This step enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Pan-searing the chicken in a cast iron skillet over medium heat allows for a golden-brown crust while maintaining a juicy interior. Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking in batches if necessary.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest under foil for about 5 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to reach 165°F and ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy before serving.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for pan-searing the chicken to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Kitchen Mallet – Useful for pounding chicken cutlets to an even thickness, if necessary.
- Meat Thermometer – Important for ensuring the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature for safe consumption.
