Lemon Garlic Chicken - Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe
LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN - Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe! is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish on YouTube.
Prep: 52 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 1 hr 16 min
Cost: $8.04 total, $2.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless; pounded and sliced horizontally into 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 whole Lemon (Zested and sliced into thin rounds)
- 6 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For marinade and cooking)
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Homemade or store‑bought)
- 0.125 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Pinch, optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped; half for the marinade, half for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Season chicken on both sides)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
Zest and Slice Lemon
Using a microplane, zest the whole lemon, then slice the lemon into thin rounds for garnish.
Time: PT5M
Mince Garlic
Peel and finely mince six garlic cloves.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine the lemon zest, lemon juice (from half the lemon), minced garlic, 2 Tbsp olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Time: PT5M
Prep Chicken
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board, slice horizontally through the middle to create two thin cutlets, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
Time: PT30M
Heat Skillet
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil, and wait until the oil shimmers.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high
Sear Chicken
Lay the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet. Cook 4‑5 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 3‑4 minutes until the interior reaches 165°F (74°C).
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium-high
Finish with Marinade
Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken, let it simmer for 1 minute to coat the pieces.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium-high
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and arrange lemon slices over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo, Keto, Low-Carb
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken thigh, boneless, skinless
- Instead of Lemon: Lime (for a different citrus note)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence, Dried oregano + basil
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (a dash)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Microplane Zester
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Plate (optional)
- Wooden Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for the correct time (30 min to 2 h) to develop flavor without over‑tenderizing.
- Ensuring the skillet oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a quick sear.
- Avoiding overcooking; chicken should be removed once it reaches 165°F.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Zest the whole lemon before juicing; the zest contains the most aromatic oils.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin (if any) brown.
- Use a high‑quality extra virgin olive oil for both flavor and a higher smoke point.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry.
Do not overcook; keep cooking time to 4‑5 minutes per side and use a meat thermometer. Also, ensure the chicken is thinly sliced.
Marinade tastes too acidic.
Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a pinch of sugar to balance the lemon acidity.
Sauce is watery after cooking.
Increase heat for the last minute to reduce the sauce, or remove the chicken and simmer the sauce briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time and keep refrigerated.
- Pre‑slice the chicken breasts and store them in a sealed bag for quick weeknight prep.
- Cooked chicken can be reheated gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon Garlic Chicken in Mediterranean cuisine?
Lemon and garlic are staple flavor pillars in Mediterranean cooking, reflecting the region’s abundant citrus groves and garlic farms. This simple chicken dish showcases the bright, aromatic profile that defines many Greek, Italian, and Turkish home meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of lemon chicken in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Greece, lemon chicken is often braised with oregano and white wine; in Italy, it may include capers and rosemary; in Turkey, it’s sometimes grilled with sumac. Each variation highlights local herbs and cooking methods while keeping the citrus‑garlic base.
How is Lemon Garlic Chicken traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, alongside a side of roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The dish is meant to be shared family‑style.
What occasions or celebrations is Lemon Garlic Chicken associated with in Mediterranean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, lemon‑garlic chicken is a popular weeknight dinner and is also served at casual gatherings, picnics, and summer barbecues because of its quick preparation and fresh flavors.
What makes Lemon Garlic Chicken special or unique in Mediterranean cuisine?
The combination of bright lemon zest, abundant garlic, and high‑quality olive oil creates a balance of tangy, savory, and fruity notes that epitomize Mediterranean flavor philosophy—simple ingredients delivering maximum taste.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Garlic Chicken at home?
Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the meat mushy), cooking the chicken too long (resulting in dryness), and adding the chicken before the oil is hot enough (causing a soggy crust). Follow the timing cues in the recipe for best results.
Why does this Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe use a short 30‑minute marination instead of an overnight soak?
The lemon juice’s acidity can begin to “cook” the chicken if left too long, making the texture mushy. A brief 30‑minute to 2‑hour marination provides flavor without compromising tenderness.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead, then cook it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain moisture.
What does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish specialize in?
The Mediterranean Dish focuses on authentic, approachable Mediterranean recipes, offering step‑by‑step video tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern home‑cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Mediterranean Dish emphasizes ingredient authenticity, clear visual instructions, and cultural context, often providing background on regional variations, which sets it apart from channels that prioritize speed over tradition.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
