LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN

LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon juice, the rich aroma of garlic, and the earthy undertones of dried thyme. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, offering a tender and juicy chicken breast marinated with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and thyme. The marinade infuses the chicken with a fresh, tangy flavour, delighting each bite. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad, making it a versatile and healthy option for any meal. This dish is easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavour with minimal ingredients.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Entrée, Dinner

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Mediterranean

PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES

Marinate, Pan-Fry, Sauté

OCCASION / HOLIDAY

Weeknight Dinner, Family Meal, Spring, Summer, Special Occasion

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS

Healthy, Low Fat, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, High Protein

DISH TYPE

Chicken Dish, Entrée

INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN

• 1 chicken breast (150g)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Protein: 27g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Sugars:5g

• Fibre: 0g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Sodium: 300mg

• Potassium: 450mg

• Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value (DV)

• Calcium: 2% of Daily Value (DV)

• Iron: 4% of Daily Value (DV)

PREPARATION FOR LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the breast in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat it thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavour.

3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking if necessary.

4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Ensure you cook the chicken correctly.

5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices or fresh herbs, if desired.

PREP TIME

10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours of marinating time)

COOKING TIME

12-16 minutes

TIPS FOR LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavour.

• Ensure you do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, which will help achieve a nice sear.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.

VARIATIONS

• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade for a tangy twist.

• Substitute the dried thyme with fresh or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.

• Incorporate capers into the pan at the last minute of cooking for extra flavour.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying out.

• Freezer: Marinate the chicken, then freeze it raw in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.