Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken

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When it comes to quick and flavorful weeknight meals, this Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken tops the list. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a vibrant blend of lemon and garlic, it’s both refreshing and comforting. The ingredients are simple, but the result is anything but boring. Whether you’re serving it with rice, roasted veggies, or tossing it on a salad, this chicken adds a zesty punch to your plate.

What makes this dish so irresistible is how the lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken, while the garlic infuses every bite with savory depth. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like you’ve put in a ton of effort, but in reality, it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something satisfying yet light.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully in this dish. Thighs offer a bit more juiciness and flavor, while breasts remain lean and cook quickly. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

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Ingredients for the Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

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How To Make the Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil if needed, then place the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Let it Rest

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in the juices and makes slicing easier.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving. Serve alongside your favorite sides like roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad.

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How to Serve and Store Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken is super versatile. It makes a satisfying main dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, but also works wonderfully sliced over salads, grain bowls, or tucked into wraps. Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day!

To store, place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 20 minutes is enough for good flavor, but if you have time, marinating for 2–4 hours brings out more depth.

Can I grill this chicken?

Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side, just like on the stovetop.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for that zippy brightness, but bottled works in a pinch.

What if I don’t have oregano?

Try thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning instead—all pair beautifully with lemon and garlic.

Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?

It already is! This recipe is naturally free of dairy and gluten.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken, you’ll want to try these too:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, comforting option.
• Marry Me Chicken that’s perfect for date nights.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles to keep cleanup easy.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for hands-off cooking.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a spicy twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you need an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

And tell me in the comments—did you pan-sear or grill your chicken? Any fun sides you paired it with?

I’d love to see how it turned out for you! Questions and kitchen tips are always welcome.

Find more of my daily recipes and inspiration on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

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