5-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Chicken

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Want a tasty chicken dish without the fuss? Look no further! This 5-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Chicken is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to make.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tangy lemon and savory garlic create a mouthwatering combo that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Table of Contents

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty lemon garlic chicken:

Chicken breasts or thighs (4-6 pieces)
Lemon juice (1/4 cup)
Olive oil (1/4 cup)
Garlic cloves (4-6, minced)
Salt and pepper to taste

You can use fresh or bottled lemon juice. If you don’t have lemons, try lime juice for a different twist.

No olive oil? Vegetable or canola oil work too. For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead.

Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Use 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.

Want to add more flavor? Try these optional ingredients:

Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
Honey (2 tablespoons)
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)

These extras can make your chicken even tastier. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen.

Remember, the key is to keep it simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to please.

Instructions

Start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Whisk well.

Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil.

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. It should be golden brown and cooked through.

Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy.

Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty lemon garlic chicken!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best lemon garlic chicken, use fresh lemons and garlic. The zest adds tons of flavor, so don’t skip it!

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours. The acid in the lemon can start to “cook” the meat if left too long.

Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is ready at 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making it extra moist.

To store leftovers, cool the chicken completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze cooked lemon garlic chicken too. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.