Looking for a refreshing change from your regular chicken recipes? This lemon chicken recipe is just the burst of flavor your dinner table needs! With a zesty marinade, aromatic herbs, and juicy chicken, this dish is a delightful combination of health, taste, and simplicity. Whether you’re a home cook or a food enthusiast, this easy recipe will impress everyone.
🥣 Why You Should Try Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is not only delicious but also healthy. Lemon adds a tangy punch while garlic infuses deep flavor. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and perfect for those looking to eat clean without compromising taste. Here’s why this tangy chicken dish should be on your weekly meal plan:
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Boosts immunity with natural vitamin C
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Easy to digest and light on the stomach
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Quick prep and cooking time
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Ideal for meal prep or special dinners
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Can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients for making the perfect lemon garlic chicken. These are all easy to find and pantry-friendly.
For the Marinade:
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500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
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1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or coriander
👨🍳 How to Make Lemon Chicken Recipe at Home
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to make this lemon chicken recipe that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, pepper, salt, paprika, and herbs. Mix well until emulsified.
🔹 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
🔹 Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
You can cook the marinated chicken using any of the following methods:
A. Pan-Fried Lemon Garlic Chicken
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add a little oil and place the chicken on the pan.
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Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
B. Grilled Chicken with Lemon
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Preheat your grill or grill pan.
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Cook the marinated chicken on each side for 6-8 minutes.
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Brush with extra marinade while grilling.
C. Baked Lemon Chicken
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Place the chicken on a baking tray lined with foil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
Your lemon garlic chicken can be served in many delicious ways:
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With a side of herbed rice or garlic butter noodles
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On a bed of fresh salad or steamed vegetables
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Alongside mashed potatoes or roasted veggies
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Shredded in wraps, tacos, or sandwiches
Don’t forget to drizzle the remaining lemon juice on top before serving for that final zesty punch!
🧠 Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken Recipe
This lemon chicken recipe isn’t just about taste — it’s a nutritious meal with great benefits:
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High Protein: Builds muscle and aids recovery.
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Low Carb: Ideal for weight watchers and keto-friendly diets.
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Detoxifying: Lemon and garlic support liver health.
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Heart Healthy: Olive oil and lean chicken keep your heart strong.
🌟 Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken
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Always use fresh lemon juice for a natural zing.
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Don’t over-marinate beyond 4 hours; lemon acid can toughen the meat.
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Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
🔁 Variations You Can Try
Want to experiment with your easy chicken dinner?
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Add a spoon of honey for honey lemon chicken
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Use chili flakes for a spicy kick
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Add bell peppers or zucchini for a one-pan chicken meal
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Make a lemon garlic butter sauce for extra richness
📌 Final Thoughts
This flavorful and easy lemon chicken recipe is a must-try for those who enjoy zesty, herbaceous dishes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a weekend gathering, this dish checks all the boxes — it’s healthy, quick, and incredibly tasty. Serve it hot, with love, and watch everyone ask for seconds
