Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken cutlets marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil, then seared to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 lemons (1 for zesting and juicing, 1 for slicing and garnish)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley (plus more for garnish)
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts, sliced into cutlets)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons for cooking)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Zest and juice one of the lemons into a large bowl. Add the olive oil, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and chopped parsley. Whisk everything together until well combined. Set the marinade aside.
- Slice the breasts into cutlets: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part to create two thinner cutlets per breast. If needed, cover the cutlets with plastic wrap and gently pound them with a mallet to even out the thickness.
- Dry and season the chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade, turning to coat each piece completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and internal juices run clear. The chicken should be nearly cooked through at this point.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from heat when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. The residual heat will raise the temperature to 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. Slice the remaining lemon during this time.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken with additional chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately for a vibrant, fresh meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant kick to the dish.
- Pounding cutlets ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast cutlet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Quick Chicken Cutlets
