Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for added richness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Ensure the chicken is evenly coated on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cook the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes if you prefer.
- Add the Lemon Flavor:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate into the sauce.
- For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve:
- Spoon the lemony sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- Juicier Chicken: To make the chicken even juicier, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt before cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy variation of this dish.
- Oven-Baked Option: For hands-off cooking, bake the seasoned chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting with the lemon sauce halfway through for extra flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Sugar: 1g
