Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal, you’ve come to the right place! This easy one-pan lemon garlic chicken is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a dinner party. With juicy chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a zesty marinade, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples.
Quick Preparation: Prep the ingredients in just 10 minutes.
Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup.
Customizable: Use any vegetables you have on hand.
Flavorful: The lemon and garlic combination is a winner!
Ingredients
Ingredient
Quantity
Boneless chicken breasts
4 (about 1.5 pounds total)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, minced
4
Lemon juice
Juice of 2 lemons
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Cherry tomatoes
1 pint
Zucchini, sliced
2 medium
Fresh parsley, chopped
For garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, wash and cut the zucchini into half-moon shapes and rinse the cherry tomatoes. You want your vegetables to be bite-sized so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and locks in the juices.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is seared, add the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Make sure to pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the veggies for added flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Thighs Option: You can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and add more veggies for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the oven to retain the texture.
Conclusion
This easy one-pan lemon garlic chicken is a delightful and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for those busy weeknights. Give it a try, and it just might become your go-to recipe for chicken dinner!