Description
A bright, juicy summer chicken recipe that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with fresh herbs and citrus. Perfect for warm evenings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skin‑less chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Make the citrus‑herb mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken in a shallow dish or zip‑lock bag. Pour the citrus‑herb mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Let rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Add a splash of olive oil if needed.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinating liquid (reserve the liquid). Sear each breast for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden.
- Finish with sauce: Reduce the heat to low, pour the reserved citrus‑herb liquid into the skillet, and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, drizzle with the pan sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- For extra juiciness, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Keep the skillet hot enough to sear quickly; this locks in moisture.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the citrus mix.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: summer chicken recipe