Description
Looking for quick easy dinner ideas? Look no further than this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a delicious homemade dish without the fuss.
Ingredients For Quick Easy Dinner Ideas
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This step ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the lemon slices to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they start to caramelize slightly. The combination of garlic and lemon infuses the dish with bright, zesty flavors.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the garlic and lemon slices. Spoon some of the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken to coat evenly.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the delicious juices.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a nutritious meal. The vibrant colors and flavors of the vegetables complement the dish perfectly.
- For a heartier option, consider serving the chicken with a side of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or nutty quinoa. These starches help soak up the flavorful sauce and make the meal more filling.
- If you’re craving something lighter, a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment. The acidity of the lemon dressing balances out the richness of the chicken.
Tips and Variations for Quick Easy Dinner Ideas
- For an extra burst of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after sautéing the garlic. This helps loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and creates a luscious sauce.
- Customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other herbs and spices such as rosemary, basil, or paprika for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Conclusion
With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re searching for quick easy dinner ideas, cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, you can count on this dish to deliver a satisfying and memorable dining experience. In fact, among the many quick easy dinner ideas available, this recipe stands out for its minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience of a homemade meal without the hassle! Remember to keep this recipe in mind whenever you need quick easy dinner ideas that impress.
Quick Easy Dinner Ideas – One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Looking for quick easy dinner ideas? This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is perfect for a weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 pieces cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pieces Lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- To taste Salt
- To taste Pepper
- Optional Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Cook the Chicken:Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.Add the lemon slices to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they start to caramelize.
- Combine and Serve:Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the garlic and lemon over the top.Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
NOTES:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the skillet when adding the lemon slices.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or a serving of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
