Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece with this mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe that's about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with bright citrusy notes, aromatic garlic, and classic Mediterranean herbs - a dish so incredibly delicious, it'll make you feel like you're dining on a beautiful Greek taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Carefully place chicken breasts in the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During cooking, periodically baste the chicken with reserved marinade to keep it moist and infuse additional flavor.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't rush the marinating process - letting the chicken sit in the lemon-garlic mixture for at least 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, try using a cast-iron skillet which provides superior heat distribution and creates a beautiful crispy exterior.
- Fresh ingredients make a huge difference - use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, the marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making meal prep a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 100mg
