Name: Simple Lemon Herb Chicken - Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; 1 medium lemon, juiced, divided; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pinch dried oregano; 2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Simple Lemon Herb Chicken is the weeknight dinner hero you’ve been searching for. Imagin extracte this: tender, juicy chicken pieces bathed in a bright, zesty sauce, infused with fragrant herbs that sing on your palate. It’s the kind of meal that feels both effortlessly elegant and incredibly comforting, making it a perennial favorite for families and busy individuals alike. What is it about this dish that captivates so many? Perhaps it’s the perfect harmony of tangy lemon and aromatic herbs, a classic pairing that never fails to impress. Or maybe it’s the sheer versatility – this Simple Lemon Herb Chicken is as happy gracing your Sunday roast as it is nestled into a quick lunchbox. The magic truly lies in its ability to elevate humble ingredients into something truly special, proving that delicious doesn’t need to be complicated. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients:

2 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 medium lemon, juiced, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch dried oregano
2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

The first step to creating a delicious Simple Lemon Herb Chicken is to prepare your chicken breasts. Ensure they are of similar thickness. If one breast is significantly thicker than the other, you can gently pound the thicker portion with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until it matches the thickness of the other breast. This ensures even cooking, preventing one piece from being overcooked and dry while the other remains undercooked. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear and a more flavorful crust. Moisture on the surface will steam the chicken rather than letting it brown, and we want that golden-brown exterior.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what builds the foundation of flavor.

Marinating with Lemon and Herbs

Now, let’s infuse our chicken with bright, fresh flavors. In a small bowl, combine the juice of half of the lemon with the dried oregano. Take the prepared chicken breasts and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the lemon and oregano mixture over the chicken, ensuring both sides are coated. If using a plastic bag, you can massage the mixture in through the bag.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 30 minutes if you have the time. Marinating longer than 30 minutes with lemon juice can sometimes start to “cook” the chicken, altering its texture, so it’s best to keep it within this window. While the chicken marinates, you can prepare any side dishes you plan to serve.

Searing for a Perfect Crust

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. This indicates the pan is hot enough for a good sear. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate both breasts without them touching, cook them one at a time. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing, and will prevent you from achieving that desirable golden-brown crust.

Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the heat of your stove. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much during this searing phase; let it develop a nice crust before flipping. Use tongs to carefully turn the chicken over.

Finishing the Cook and Resting

After searing both sides, reduce the heat to medium-low. If your chicken breasts are thicker than an inch, you might need to cover the skillet loosely with a lid or foil for the last few minutes of cooking to ensure the inside cooks through without the exterior burning. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken breasts to a clean cutting board or plate. This is a crucial step for juicy chicken: let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto the plate, leaving you with drier chicken.

Serving Your Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

After resting, you can slice the chicken breasts against the grain for tenderness. Drizzle any accumulated juices from the cutting board over the sliced chicken. Squeeze the remaining half of the fresh lemon juice over the chicken for an extra burst of citrusy brightness. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor. This Simple Lemon Herb Chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain. Enjoy the simple yet satisfying flavors!

Conclusion:

You’ve just learned how to make the absolutely delightful Simple Lemon Herb Chicken. This recipe is a testament to how a few high-quality ingredients and straightforward techniques can result in a truly impressive and flavorful meal. The bright citrus notes from the lemon, combined with the aromatic blend of herbs, create a dish that is both refreshing and comforting. I hope you feel empowered to recreate this recipe in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy and satisfying, or for a more elegant gathering with friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

When serving your Simple Lemon Herb Chicken, consider pairing it with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a fluffy bed of quinoa or rice, or a light, crisp salad. For variations, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or incorporating other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the parsley and chives. You could also marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking to deepen the flavors even further. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

Frequently Asked Questions about Simple Lemon Herb Chicken:

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the Simple Lemon Herb Chicken?

Yes, you can! When using dried herbs, remember that they are more potent than fresh. A general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. You might want to add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavor to infuse more effectively.

What kind of chicken parts work best for Simple Lemon Herb Chicken?

This recipe is quite versatile and works wonderfully with various chicken cuts. Chicken breasts are a popular choice for their lean texture and quick cooking time. However, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drum extractsticks will also yield incredibly juicy and flavorful results, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).