Description
Need a vibrant, easy dinner idea with minimal ingredients and big flavor? This Italian Lemon Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight go-to. It features tender seared chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon, olive oil, and herbs for a refreshing Mediterranean twist. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a quick dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. It’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and packed with bright citrusy goodness—ideal for anyone craving healthy dinner ideas, food ideas for guests, or a quick high-protein meal without fuss.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
5. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
6. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
If marinating longer than 1 hour, refrigerate the chicken to keep it safe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg