Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 cups baby spinach - Fresh parsley for garnish When making Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet, gather these main ingredients first. Chicken is the star, and using boneless, skinless breasts makes it quick to cook. Olive oil adds flavor and helps with browning. Fresh garlic gives a punch to the dish. Lemon's zest and juice bring brightness and acidity. The spices, dried oregano and paprika, enhance the chicken's taste. You can adjust salt and pepper to fit your liking. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce. Baby spinach not only adds color but also nutrients. Finally, fresh parsley serves as a lovely garnish. - Alternatives for Chicken You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Tofu or tempeh works well for a plant-based option. - Olive Oil Variants Avocado oil is a great high-heat substitute. Grapeseed oil offers a mild flavor. - Garlic Substitutes Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Shallots give a nice onion flavor if you need an option. - Skillet A large skillet is best for this dish. It helps cook the chicken evenly. - Measuring Tools Use measuring spoons and cups for accuracy. This ensures your dish remains balanced in flavor. - Cooking Utensils A spatula or tongs will help you flip the chicken. A good knife and cutting board are needed for chopping garlic and herbs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preparing the Chicken Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Seasoning the Chicken Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano on both sides of the chicken. Use your hands to rub the spices in well. This adds great flavor to the chicken. Heating the Skillet Grab a large skillet and pour in two tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium-high. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers. This step is key for browning the chicken nicely. Browning the Chicken Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This shows the chicken is cooking well. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Making the Sauce In the same skillet, add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell that garlic! Next, pour in the lemon zest, juice from two lemons, and one cup of chicken broth. Scrape the brown bits from the bottom. This adds rich flavor. Bring this mix to a simmer. Adding Spinach Return the chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat. Then, toss in two cups of baby spinach. Cover the skillet and cook for about five minutes. The spinach will wilt and soak up the sauce. Adjusting Seasoning Finally, taste the sauce. If it needs more flavor, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This step makes sure your dish tastes just right. - Ensuring Juiciness To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep the juices inside. - Avoiding Overcooking Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you notice the chicken browning too fast, lower the heat. Always remove the chicken from heat as soon as it is cooked through. - Adding Herbs Fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try adding thyme or rosemary for extra depth. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This will let their flavor shine without overpowering the dish. - Citrus Variations Want a twist? Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Each citrus brings a new taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavor profile. - Complementary Side Dishes Serve your chicken with roasted vegetables or fluffy quinoa. These sides balance the dish well. You could also try a green salad for freshness and crunch. - Garnishing Ideas Top your chicken with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon slices can add visual appeal too. A sprinkle of zest over the dish can brighten the flavors further. Pro Tips Don't Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to ensure it remains juicy. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. The freshness will enhance the dish's overall taste. Customize the Greens: Feel free to substitute baby spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic for an extra depth of flavor in the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily switch things up in the Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet. Here are a couple of tasty ideas: - Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs stay juicy and add a richer flavor. Season and cook just like the breasts for a delightful twist. - Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Grill it for a smoky flavor. This method adds a fun char that pairs well with the bright sauce. If you have specific dietary needs, you can adapt this dish easily. - Gluten-Free Options: Make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This dish can fit into a gluten-free diet without any hassle. - Low-Carb Variations: To cut carbs, skip the chicken broth. Instead, use a bit of water. You can also add more spinach or other low-carb veggies for volume and nutrition. Want to travel the world with your taste buds? Try these fun twists! - Mediterranean Inspired: Add olives, feta cheese, and artichokes to the skillet. These ingredients will give a unique Mediterranean flair that enhances the chicken's flavor. - Asian Fusion: Swap the lemon for lime and add soy sauce. Include some ginger and sesame oil to the mix. This Asian twist will create a whole new flavor profile that is delicious and exciting. Store your lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. It stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Always let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. You can also use the microwave for a quick thaw. Just use a low power setting to avoid cooking it. Reheat chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Cover it to hold in the steam. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. What can I substitute for chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or water. Both options work well in this dish. If you want more flavor, try adding some herbs or spices to the water. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just reheat and add spinach. How do I know the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part to check for pinkness. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet? Absolutely! Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. How can I adjust this recipe for a slow cooker? Season and sear the chicken first. Then, add it to the slow cooker with garlic, broth, and lemon. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Can I use other vegetables? Yes! Broccoli or bell peppers work great. Feel free to add any veggies you like. Just make sure they cook well with the chicken. Is it necessary to use fresh garlic? Fresh garlic gives a better taste. But if you have garlic powder, you can use that too. About 1 teaspoon of powder equals 1 clove of fresh garlic. This blog post walks you through making a tasty chicken dish. We covered key ingredients, useful substitutes, and essential cooking tools. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time. You learned tips for juiciness and flavor, along with exciting recipe variations. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating info to keep meals fresh. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With the right knowledge and practice, you can create delicious meals easily. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

A flavorful chicken dish cooked in a lemon-garlic sauce with spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece zest of lemon
2 pieces lemons, juiced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups baby spinach
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano on both sides.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and add the baby spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a plate drizzled with the lemon-garlic sauce and topped with fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fluffy quinoa for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, easy, garlic, lemon, skillet