Lemon Garlic Chicken: Juicy, Zesty, and Ready in Minutes

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, flavorless chicken breasts, this Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe will change the game. It’s bright, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor — all ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. The secret? A simple citrus-garlic marinade that infuses every bite with freshness and keeps the chicken perfectly tender.

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Cooking chicken breasts on the stove is one of the quickest ways to make a healthy dinner, and this recipe proves it can also be full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this lemon garlic chicken is a total win — golden and caramelized on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Quick & easy: From marinating to searing, everything comes together in under an hour.
• Healthy & light: Made with lean chicken breasts, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
• Versatile: Perfect for salads, rice bowls, wraps, or paired with roasted veggies.
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and herbs gives this dish a Mediterranean kick that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken

This recipe keeps it simple, using fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade

• 2 lemons: You’ll use both the zest and the juice for brightness.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and enhances the marinade.
• 5 garlic cloves (crushed or minced): Fresh garlic gives the dish its bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil ties the Mediterranean flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that balances the citrus.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large pieces)
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Extra olive oil for searing

Pro tip: If you want even juicier chicken, try substituting chicken thighs. They’re slightly fattier but stay tender no matter how you cook them.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple. The key is in the marination — even a short soak in the lemon-garlic mixture makes a big difference.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, zest and juice one lemon. Add olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Whisk until the mixture is well combined. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell incredible!

Set the marinade aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken Breasts into Cutlets

Place one chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice it horizontally from the thick end toward the thinner end to create two even cutlets.

This simple step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist. If you’d like, you can lightly pound the pieces under plastic wrap to make them perfectly uniform.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then, place the cutlets into the marinade and turn to coat evenly.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). This gives the lemon and garlic time to penetrate the meat and make it ultra-flavorful.

⚠️ Note: Don’t marinate for more than 2 hours — the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken and make it tough.

Step 4: Pan-Sear the Chicken

When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer (avoid crowding the pan — cook in batches if needed).

Sear for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The juices should run clear, and the edges should have a nice crisp finish.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) — the sweet spot for juicy, fully cooked chicken.

While it rests, slice the second lemon into thin wheels or wedges for garnish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your chicken with extra chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices. You can serve it whole, sliced, or even diced for salads and grain bowls.

The result? Tender, golden, lemony perfection every single time.

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides — the light, citrusy flavor makes it super versatile. Try one (or a few) of these ideas:

• Mediterranean chickpea salad for extra protein and crunch.
• Lemon parmesan lettuce salad or Maroulosalata (Greek lettuce salad) for freshness.
• Italian roasted vegetables — think zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes.
• Rice or quinoa bowls with a drizzle of Greek dressing.
• Or, make it part of a meal prep lunch box with couscous and roasted veggies.

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