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Zesty Lemon Chicken


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  • Author: By Molly
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A bright and flavorful chicken dish featuring tangy lemon, rich garlic, and a hint of honey, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (For the marinade and searing.)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Use fresh juice for best flavor.)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (Zest from the lemon.)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (Freshly minced garlic.)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (To balance acidity.)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Season generously.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For seasoning.)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh herbs (Optional, can use parsley, thyme, or oregano.)

For Cooking

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders (Choose any of these chicken cuts.)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (For the pan sauce.)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (For richness in the sauce.)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Added during the cooking process.)
  • red pepper flakes optional (For a small kick.)


Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs to make the marinade.
  2. Add chicken to the marinade, coating well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, up to 4 hours.

Cooking the Chicken – Stovetop

  1. Pat chicken dry for a good sear. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a thin film of olive oil.
  2. Add chicken and cook until golden on each side. Lower heat to medium.
  3. Add chicken broth, butter, and lemon juice to the pan. Let it simmer to reduce slightly.
  4. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serving

  1. Spoon sauce over the chicken before serving. Enjoy with sides like rice, potatoes, or salad.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture. For variations, consider using different herbs or adding capers for briny flavors.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American