garlic lemon chicken recipe

garlic lemon chicken recipe

The Best garlic lemon chicken recipe

I have been making garlic lemon chicken for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The combination of the pungency of garlic, the brightness of lemon, and the richness of chicken is a perfect balance of flavors.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get involved in making this recipe. I remember when my daughter was younger, she would insist on adding extra garlic because ‘it makes it more delicious.’

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about flavors and textures. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a new way to prepare chicken.

I was browsing through cookbooks at the library, and one caught my eye with its bright yellow cover. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon this recipe, and it immediately caught my attention.

The use of garlic and lemon as a marinade was unlike anything I had seen before. The technique of using a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper as a marinade is what makes this dish truly special.

The acidity of the lemon helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. The pungency of the garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the olive oil provides a rich and creamy texture.

Garlic Lemon Chicken

Garlic Lemon Chicken

4.5 from 596 votes

Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a bright garlic lemon sauce. This one-pan dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Place chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook without moving for 6 to 7 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
4Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
5Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet.
6Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7Return chicken to the skillet skin-side up, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
8The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce will thicken slightly.
9Remove the lid, stir in butter until melted, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
10Serve hot with the pan sauce spooned over each piece.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 3g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering liquid before adding the butter. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Lemon Chicken Works

This garlic lemon chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick dinner solution for your family.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Lemon Chicken

Q1: What is the best way to store leftover garlic lemon chicken?

It’s best to store leftover garlic lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to label it with the date you stored it so you can easily keep track of how long it’s been in there.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts! In fact, they work just as well as bone-in chicken breasts do.

Q3: How do I ensure that my garlic lemon chicken is not too salty?

To avoid over-salting your garlic lemon chicken, make sure to taste it frequently as you’re seasoning it. You can always add more salt if needed but removing excess salt is much harder.

Q4: Can I use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice! Just be sure to squeeze out all that lovely juice from your lemons before using them.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because it contains chicken. However, you can easily adapt it by substituting the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein source.

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