If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and comes together in a flash, this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s a perfect balance of juicy chicken tenders cooked to tender perfection, infused with the aroma of garlic and the fresh tang of lemon that wakes up your taste buds. This recipe is so simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful meal without fuss. Let me walk you through every step so you can bring this vibrant dish to your table and savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, but trust me, each one is essential in building that impressive flavor profile. From the sharpness of garlic to the citrus zing of lemon juice, every element plays a vital role in the dish’s success.
- 1 lb. chicken tenders (sliced in half into strips): Tender, quick-cooking chicken pieces that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop a lovely golden sear.
- 1 shallot (minced): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic that infuses the dish with its signature bold flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Delivers that fresh and vibrant citrus punch that brightens the entire recipe.
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped): Freshness and a pop of green to finish the dish elegantly.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough heat for a subtle kick.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley to garnish: These little details turn this simple dish into something special and visually inviting.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
If your chicken tenders are thicker than your finger, pop them into a freezer bag and gently flatten them with the back of a skillet or pan. This helps them cook evenly and results in tender strips. Once flattened, slice the tenders in half to get perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning mix ensures every piece is bursting with flavor and creates a beautiful base for the garlic and lemon to really shine.
Step 3: Get Your Skillet Ready
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers, signaling it’s hot enough, then add the chicken strips alongside the minced shallots and garlic. This combination instantly starts releasing incredible aromas.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Stir-fry the chicken with the shallots and garlic until the chicken is cooked through and nice and golden, about 3 minutes. Quick cooking keeps the chicken juicy while the aromatics infuse deep flavor.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Parsley
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped parsley. Give everything a good stir and add another pinch of salt to balance the brightness of the lemon with the savory notes.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley for freshness and a beautiful presentation. Now you’re ready to enjoy every zesty, garlicky bite of your Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also provide bursts of fresh flavor that complement the cooked chicken. A sprinkle of fresh herbs gives a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Think fluffy rice to catch all those flavorful juices, a crisp green salad for contrast, or even buttery roasted potatoes for a comforting meal. Steamed vegetables or garlic bread can round out the plate beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little creative? Serve the chicken over a bed of couscous or quinoa for extra texture and nutrition. You can also make it the star topping for a fresh green salad or stuff it in warm pita bread with some tzatziki for a lovely Mediterranean twist. The Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile for any mealtime vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting, making for tasty next-day meals or easy lunches.
Freezing
To keep your leftovers longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Portion it out if you want to thaw only what you need later. Just be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy. You can also zap it in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating helps maintain that fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe?
While you can use bone-in chicken, the cooking times will be longer, and the technique might change slightly. This recipe shines with tender strips for quick, even cooking, so boneless tenders or breasts are best.
What can I substitute if I don’t have shallots?
If shallots aren’t on hand, you can use finely chopped onions or even green onions for a milder flavor. Just adjust the quantity to your taste as onions can be a bit more pungent.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe isn’t spicy by default; the black pepper and paprika add subtle warmth and color, but it’s quite mild. You can always add chili flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken cooks very fast and is best served fresh, you can pre-mix the seasoning with the chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors before cooking.
What’s the best way to make the chicken extra tender?
Flattening the chicken tenders ensures more even cooking and tenderness. Avoid overcooking, as chicken cooks quickly; once it turns opaque and lightly golden, it’s ready to keep juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe that makes it a fast favorite in any kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and downright delightful with its fresh, garlicky punch and bright lemon notes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe will never let you down. Grab your skillet and start cooking—your next unforgettable meal awaits!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a skillet with aromatic garlic, shallots, paprika, and fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken tenders (sliced in half into strips)
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: If the chicken tenders are thicker than a finger, place them in a freezer bag and gently pound them with the back of a skillet or pan to thin them out, then cut each tender in half lengthwise into strips.
- Season Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, add the chicken strips along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to evenly coat all pieces with the seasonings.
- Heat Skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil heats up and begins to shimmer, it’s ready for cooking.
- Cook Chicken with Aromatics: Add the seasoned chicken strips, minced shallots, and garlic to the hot skillet. Stir-fry everything together, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Herbs: Once cooked, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken. Stir everything to combine and let the flavors meld together for a minute. Add a pinch more salt if needed.
- Serve: Remove the lemon garlic chicken from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For even cooking, pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- You can serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the garlic quantity based on your preference for flavor intensity.
