Lemon Garlic Chicken: 7 Flavors That Will Delight You

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Lemon Garlic Chicken! This recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, simple, and bursting with flavor, making it a go-to meal in my house. Picture this: tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy lemon garlic sauce that’s just the right balance of tangy and rich. Trust me, the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why I can’t get enough of it!

What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something that feels gourmet but doesn’t require a culinary degree. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, they’ll be impressed and asking for seconds. So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this delightful Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Ingredients List

Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the delicious ingredients for this Lemon Garlic Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total): Make sure to pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: This will help season the chicken perfectly, plus more for later seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little kick to enhance the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that beautiful sear on the chicken.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness to your sauce.
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped: It gives a lovely mild onion flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic lovers unite for that aromatic punch!
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To help thicken the sauce.
• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk: For that creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: To enhance the savory flavor.
• Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons): The star of the show for that zesty brightness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: For garnish and a fresh touch.
• 1 small lemon, thinly sliced: These slices are not just pretty; they add extra zing!

How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Chicken

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this Lemon Garlic Chicken! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to dry your chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps achieve that perfect golden-brown sear. After drying, be generous with your kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, seasoning both sides of the chicken.

Now, grab your trusty skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. It’s time to add the chicken! Sear the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on one side until they’re deeply browned. Flip them over and let them sear for another 6 to 7 minutes on the other side. Once they’re beautifully golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add in the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté this aromatic mix for about a minute until everything starts to soften and smell heavenly.

Now, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring well to coat the shallots and garlic. Let it cook for another minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Then, slowly stir in the half-and-half or whole milk and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce it to a simmer.

Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice and get ready to garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve it up immediately, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible flavor: The combination of lemon and garlic creates a bright, zesty sauce that elevates the tender chicken to new heights.
• Quick and easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-pan wonder: You’ll love that it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Impressive presentation: The creamy sauce and fresh herbs make this dish look as good as it tastes, perfect for serving to guests!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or tweak the seasonings for a personal touch!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Lemon Garlic Chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

• Don’t skip the drying step: Make sure to thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good seasoning base enhances all the flavors in this dish.
• Watch the heat: Keep an eye on your skillet temperature. Too hot, and you risk burning the garlic; too low, and you won’t get that nice sear on the chicken.
• Simmer gently: When you return the chicken to the skillet, let it simmer just enough for the sauce to thicken without overcooking the chicken.
• Fresh ingredients make a difference: Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to creating a Lemon Garlic Chicken masterpiece!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Lemon Garlic Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also packed with good stuff. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving (one chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to enjoy this tasty meal while knowing you’re treating yourself right!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making Lemon Garlic Chicken that might help you out:

• Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.
• What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken? It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. You can’t go wrong with crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce, either!
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat gently on the stove before serving. Just be careful not to overcook it!
• How can I add more veggies? Feel free to toss in some spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers when you add the garlic and shallots. They’ll cook beautifully in the sauce!
• Is this Lemon Garlic Chicken gluten-free? Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce instead of regular flour.

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident about whipping up this delicious dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those tasty leftovers later! When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend doing it gently on the stovetop over low heat. This helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and keeps the sauce creamy. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!

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