Lemon Garlic Chicken with Easy Marinade Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The chicken is then cooked to perfection either on the stovetop or baked in the oven, making it a flavorful and easy meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup Olive oil (plus 2 tbsp additional if using stovetop method)
- 1 medium Lemon (zested and juiced; 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, plus more optional lemon slices)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, turning them to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat. You can marinate up to 24 hours for even more intense flavor.
- Cook on Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear each side for 4 to 8 minutes until well browned and cooked through. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 162-165°F (72-74°C). Remove from skillet and tent with foil; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Alternate Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, ensuring they do not overcrowd or overlap. Optionally, top each piece with a thin lemon slice for extra freshness. Bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the chicken is firm and reaches an internal temperature of 162-165°F (72-74°C). Cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) will result in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Using a meat thermometer is key to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- If cooking on stovetop, adding the additional 2 tablespoons olive oil helps prevent sticking and promotes a nice sear.
- Optional lemon slices on top during baking add a lovely citrus aroma and enhance presentation.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is great for salads or sandwiches.
