Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-quality masterpiece? This Garlic Herb Lemon Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises to tantalize your senses and impress even the pickiest eaters. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and golden-brown perfection, this dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, making sure to evenly distribute the herbs.
- Mince garlic cloves finely, creating a uniform texture that will distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form without moving the meat.
- Flip chicken breasts and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken during the last minute of cooking to infuse bright, citrusy flavor.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges for extra presentation.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in all the delicious flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Allow each side to develop a beautiful golden crust without moving the chicken too much.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute the juices, which keeps the meat incredibly tender and moist.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried oregano if you have them available.
- Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best possible sear on your chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice is key—bottled juice can't compare to the bright, fresh flavor of a freshly squeezed lemon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
