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Easy Lemon Chicken
Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.
There’s something comforting about lemon chicken. Growing up, my family often enjoyed it during evening meals. It was one of those dishes that effortlessly turned a busy weeknight into something special. The bright acidity of the lemon against the tender chicken creates a symphony of flavor that instantly uplifts the dining experience.
This Easy Lemon Chicken recipe brings back those warm memories with a few simple ingredients. Using just chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, this dish allows the fresh flavors to shine. No need for complex preparations or lengthy cooking times.
As you cook, feel the joy of transforming these everyday ingredients into a delicious dish that rivals those found in upscale restaurants. This recipe not only nourishes the body but also cultivates a sense of warmth and connection at the dinner table; a simple yet satisfying meal everyone will love.
Easy Lemon Chicken: Fundamentals
Preparation/Setup
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have everything ready. Clear a space on your kitchen counter and grab your trusty skillet. Countless home cooks emphasize the importance of organization, so having the ingredients readily accessible makes the cooking process smoother.
Gather your chicken breasts first. Ensure they are at room temperature, as this aids in even cooking. This simple step makes it easier for the heat to penetrate the meat, giving you moist, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Next, get your knife and chopping board out for the garlic and parsley. While garlic will add a punchy flavor to the dish, parsley provides a fresh note as a garnish. Make sure to measure out your ingredients before you start cooking, which helps keep you focused and efficient.
Ingredients
For this delightful Easy Lemon Chicken, you will need:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
These ingredients represent a perfect blend of flavors that elevate the dish. Lemon brightens the chicken, while olive oil provides a rich, smooth finish. The garlic enhances the overall profile without overpowering the other ingredients. If you have everything at hand, it not only saves time but also makes the process enjoyable.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Easy Lemon Chicken: Technique
Tips/Tricks
Cooking the perfect Easy Lemon Chicken involves a few key techniques. One crucial tip is to always rest your chicken after cooking for about five minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy texture with every bite.
Another technique to consider is the way you prepare your chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This step encourages even cooking, ensuring no dry sections ruin your meal.
When using lemon juice, be sure to use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice. The vibrant flavor of fresh lemons cannot be replicated, and they add a pleasant zing to your dish. Zesting some lemon peel before juicing adds an extra layer of flavor.
Easy Lemon Chicken: Perfecting Results
Troubleshooting/Variations
Sometimes, cooking doesn’t go exactly as planned. Should the chicken breasts turn out dry, try adjusting the heat. Cooking on medium-low allows the chicken to cook slower and retain more moisture.
If you find the flavor lacking, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. More salt or pepper can bring out the flavors, as well as an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Tasting as you cook is an essential practice that guides your adjustments.
You can also infuse different variations into this Easy Lemon Chicken. For a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes can provide warmth without overpowering the dish. Consider herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a distinct flavor profile.
Easy Lemon Chicken: Serving & Presentation
Pairings/Storage
This Easy Lemon Chicken shines on its own, but you can elevate the meal with sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a generous helping of rice. Each option complements the chicken without taking away from its flavor.
If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This dish keeps well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheating on low heat will help maintain moisture, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
For meal prep enthusiasts, this Easy Lemon Chicken makes an excellent choice for weekly meal prep. Its versatility means you can enjoy it with various sides throughout the week without feeling bored.
This recipe embodies the essence of comfort food with a simple yet delightful blend of flavors. Energizing and satisfying, the Easy Lemon Chicken provides a meal that feels special, even on the busiest of nights. Through engaging cooking techniques and straightforward preparations, you can easily recreate a dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate. By incorporating a few tips and variations, you can make this dish your own, ensuring it fits perfectly into your meal rotation. Enjoy the process, appreciate the flavors, and relish in the joy of cooking.
PrintEasy Lemon Chicken
A simple yet delightful lemon chicken recipe that balances bright acidity with tender meat, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Notes
Rest the chicken for about five minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg