Healthy lemon garlic chicken recipe

Healthy lemon garlic chicken recipe

the goal is always juicy! This lemon garlic chicken breast recipe is all about that, using a proven method from my grilled and baked chicken breast techniques. This time, I’m searing the chicken in a skillet to achieve a crisp, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender—and, of course, juicy.

The challenge with chicken breasts is the uneven thickness—one side is thick, the other thin. This often results in overcooking one side or undercooking the other. The trick is: you don’t have to settle for dry chicken! 

For this recipe, I slice the chicken into even cutlets, ensuring they cook uniformly. Then, I marinate them in a flavorful lemon garlic blend, spiced up with red pepper flakes and Italian herbs. It’s a win-win!

The chicken is usually seared to create a crispy golden crust, then simmered in a tangy lemon sauce that can be made from fresh lemon juice, zest, and sometimes a touch of honey or mustard to round out the flavor profile.

The sauce is often thickened slightly, allowing it to coat the chicken and add a burst of citrusy freshness. This dish can be served over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables to complement the bright, zesty flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner — This baked lemon chicken is consistently delicious, from the first time I tested it to the most recent (last night!). It's juicy, tender, and savory with a subtle sweetness. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare.  Pair it with pan-roasted garlic asparagus and air fryer potatoes for a simple, well-balanced meal.

Simple Ingredients — Not only is this baked lemon chicken easy to prepare, but the ingredients are straightforward too. You likely already have them in your kitchen, and if not, a quick trip to the store will take care of it.  Easy to Scale Up — If you need to feed a crowd, this recipe is easily doubled (or even tripled) to accommodate more people.

Perfect for Meal Prep — I love cooking once and having meals for a few days (even professional chefs need a break!). This baked lemon chicken is great for making in bulk and storing for healthy meals throughout the week.

Ingredients for Lemon garlic chicken :

With just a few simple ingredients a few minutes of prep time, you can have yourself the most delicious crispy chicken breast in a buttery garlic lemon sauce!

• 3 to 4 pounds of chicken pieces
• 4 teaspoons of lemon zest (the zest of 2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped or dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped or dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Lemon slices for garnish

Lemon chicken recipe evolved over time, from a humble medieval dish to a beloved comfort food . Enjoyed by people of all ages. Their versatility and adaptability have made them a favorite at diners, cafes, and home kitchens alike.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken

In a spacious, non-reactive bowl, combine the lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, honey ,salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. Using a sharp knife, make one or two shallow cuts about 1/2 inch deep on the underside (skinless side) of each chicken piece. This helps the marinade penetrate better.

Add the chicken to the bowl and turn the pieces to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to marinate. Take the chicken out of the marinade and arrange it in a single layer in a large baking dish, with the skin facing up.

Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, then baste it generously with the reserved marinade. Continue baking for an additional 15 to 25 minutes (total baking time of 35 to 45 minutes), or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the chicken is fully cooked, with the juices running clear.

If you're cooking a mix of chicken parts, be mindful that the breasts may cook faster than the thighs. You may need to remove them from the oven earlier than the thighs, depending on their size. and , remove from the oven.

What to Pair with Lemon Garlic Chicken

This lemon garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, thanks to its versatile flavor. It complements almost any salad, vegetables, or can be served in a bowl with rice and Greek salad dressing—just to name a few ideas.

Some great options include Italian roasted vegetables, lemon parmesan lettuce salad, Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad), tabbouleh, or Mediterranean chickpea salad. However, this chicken breast recipe can easily be used to add lean protein to nearly any meal.

My friends and family always request that I make this lemon garlic chicken marinade: it’s simple, healthy, and tastes delicious. I’ve made the recipe easy to follow, but it’s hard to forget!

Lemon Chicken Marinade Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 6-8 hours. However, if you're short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade will still work. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the texture may become mushy.

Can chicken be frozen in the marinade? Absolutely! We recommend using large Stasher freezer bags for freezing, including for this chicken. Simply place the chicken in the bag, add the marinade, squish the bag to coat the chicken, and then pop it in the freezer.

How do I know when the chicken is done? The most accurate way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken;

the juices should run clear, and breast meat should be white. Thigh meat may still show a slight pink hue even when fully cooked, which is why a thermometer is so reliable.

Is lemon garlic chicken healthy? Yes! Skinless chicken is a lean, healthy protein. The marinade is also nutritious, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, and it's free of added sugars.