Garlic and Lemon Paprika Chicken Delight

Ingredients

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts out on a clean surface. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in better seasoning adherence.

2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring a good layer of seasoning.

3. Marinate with Garlic and Lemon: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors.

4. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat on the stove. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up until shimmering (about 2 minutes).

5. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust.

6. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken breasts over carefully using a spatula. Cook on the other side for another 6–7 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan. Let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting phase ensures that the juices are redistributed throughout the chicken, making it moist and flavorful.

8. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. Garnish with additional lemon zest or wedges if desired.

Total Time

PT35M
35 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

chicken recipe, garlic chicken, lemon chicken, paprika chicken, stove-top chicken, quick dinner, easy meal, healthy dinner, savory chicken, family meal

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total: 640 calories

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