Lemon Herb Panseared Chicken Breast
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how restaurants get their chicken so juicy? This recipe nails it! These juicy chicken breast recipes deliver unbelievable flavor. The secret? A simple lemon herb marinade.
Brief Overview
Pan-seared chicken is a classic dish. It originated in home kitchens. This easy chicken breast recipe takes about 30 minutes, tops. The recipe yields 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with lean protein. It is a healthy and delicious option. Serve it for a quick weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe special? It tastes like restaurant style chicken breast but is super easy to make.
Craving a Quick Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas ?
Let's Talk Ingredients
Ready to ditch dry chicken forever? Honestly, I used to dread cooking chicken breast . They always came out tough. But this recipe changed everything! The ingredient list is simple.
It is the technique that makes the difference.
You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Grab some olive oil, a lemon and garlic. Don't forget fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
A little dried oregano, salt, and pepper. That's it! Easy peasy.
Oh my gosh, and make sure that garlic is minced, or it won’t impart the garlic butter chicken flavor properly.
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. We're tackling juicy chicken breast recipes . Specifically, my go-to for Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast : It's foolproof and seriously tasty.
No dry chicken allowed.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, so, here's what you'll need to pull off this easy chicken breast miracle. Trust me, even if you're knackered after work, this is doable.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken Breast: You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Flatten them to about ½-inch thickness. Honestly, this is key. It helps them cook evenly.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (US customary)/ 1 tablespoon (metric). This is for the marinade, and gives a real boost to the final searing
- Lemon: Grab 1 lemon , we need that zest and juice. Fresh is always best, innit?
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't skimp.
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons , chopped (rosemary, thyme, parsley...whatever you fancy). If I've got some growing in the garden, all the better.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . A little goes a long way.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (US customary)/ 2.5 ml (metric).
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (US customary)/ 1.25 ml (metric).
When you're picking your chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink. No grey bits, yeah? And definitely check the use-by date.
You want the best restaurant style chicken breast , right? So, start with quality.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs
Lemon, herbs, and garlic? Classic combo, that. It’s like a sunshine holiday in your mouth. You know? If you’re feeling wild, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a cheeky kick.
For a great juicy chicken breast marinade , don’t underestimate the power of letting your chicken soak up all those flavours.
Even just 15 minutes makes a difference. Can’t find fresh herbs? 1 teaspoon of dried herbs will do the trick, instead of the fresh ones.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large Skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel is ideal. Something that gets nice and hot.
- Meat Mallet/Rolling Pin: For bashing those chicken breasts. Don't be shy, give 'em a good whack.
- Instant Read Thermometer: This is non-negotiable for guaranteed juicy chicken . Honestly, get one.
No meat mallet? Bottom of a heavy pan works just as well. Just don't tell my gran! This pan seared chicken breast recipe is all about keeping it simple.
Quick and easy, just the way chicken dinner recipes should be. And with these few bits, you'll have amazing baked chicken breast .
The thermometer is a key piece to keeping the chicken breast recipes to be amazing.
Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast: Juicy Perfection Every Time
Oh my gosh, let’s talk chicken! Specifically, juicy chicken breast recipes . This Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast is about to become your new weeknight staple.
Honestly, it’s so easy! This recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when you want something delish but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first. Let’s get organised, yeah? Essential mise en place is key! Think of it as your cooking zen.
Chop your 2 cloves garlic , zest and juice 1 lemon , and measure out your herbs ( 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs ).
Pounding the 4 chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness ? Do it now! Flattening them with a rolling pin or meat mallet ensures even cooking.
Nobody wants a dry, uneven chicken breast! Trust me.
step-by-step: Searing to Perfection
Ready to cook? Let's go!
- Mix your marinade. Olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lush!.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes , and up to 4 hours .
- Heat the skillet. Put 2 tablespoons olive oil (US customary) in it. Get it medium high heat.
- Sear each side for 5- 7 minutes .
- Check the temp! It has to reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a thermometer.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes once cooked.
Pro Tips for Restaurant Style Chicken Breast
Here’s the tea: avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking. This results in the chicken steaming, not searing. And nobody wants that.
Also, make sure to rest the chicken after cooking. That way, it allows the juices to redistribute. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Want to make-ahead? Marinate the chicken the night before for extra flavor.
This Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe is brilliant served with a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a complete and healthy meal.
Quick Chicken Breast Recipes like this means you will never be stumped for Chicken Dinner Recipes again. I reckon you might be like, "Wow.
Is it so easy to achieve restaurant quality?" Yes, it is. I find with some Garlic Butter Chicken , a squeeze of lemon and the correct temperatures, a Juicy Chicken Breast Marinade is within every cook's grasp! I hope you can make this delicious Baked Chicken Breast .
Recipe Notes for Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
So you're about to embark on the journey to juicy chicken breast recipes , eh? Ace! This Lemon Herb Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe is pretty straightforward, but here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to make sure you absolutely nail it.
I am talking, restaurant style chicken breast right in your kitchen!
Serving It Up Right
Presentation matters, right? For plating, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over some vibrant roasted veg. Think asparagus or some colourful bell peppers.
Feeling fancy? A drizzle of balsamic glaze. As for sides, honestly, this chicken is screaming for a simple quinoa or rice pilaf.
It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad. Oh, and a glass of chilled white wine? Perfect.
Storage Like a Pro
Leftovers? Winner! You can totally meal prep with this. Just pop the cooked Chicken Breast Recipes into an airtight container and they'll be happy in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Wanna freeze them? Wrap them individually in cling film first to prevent freezer burn. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months .
When reheating, a little drizzle of broth can help keep them moist. Always aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) when reheating, just to be safe.
Let's Get Varied
This recipe is easily adaptable. Need it dairy-free? Just skip the feta (if you added any). Wanna make it a bit lighter? Swap the olive oil for a cooking spray.
For a seasonal twist, try using different herbs! In the summer, basil and parsley are amazing. In the winter, go for rosemary and thyme.
And if you are looking to add some zing, you can't go wrong with a little lemon zest.
The Nitty Gritty (Nutrition)
Okay, let's keep it simple. Each serving clocks in around 250 calories. You're getting a massive 40g of protein, which is great for building muscle and feeling full.
And only about 8g of fat, mostly from the olive oil, which is the good stuff. The Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe is a healthy choice.
You get all the goodness from the herbs and lemon too. It’s all part of the plan for Quick Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas .
Honestly? Cooking should be fun! Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect . Just give it a go, experiment, and enjoy the process.
I bet you'll end up with some amazing baked chicken breast or garlic butter chicken . You got this! This easy chicken breast recipe will become a staple in your household.
Chicken Dinner Recipes just got a whole lot better! And you can adjust this Juicy Chicken Breast Marinade to your liking, and get the Juicy Chicken Breast Recipes of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my chicken breast isn't dry? I’m tired of chewy chicken!
The key to juicy chicken breast recipes is avoiding overcooking! Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, giving you that tender, juicy texture.
Think of it like letting a good cuppa tea steep patience pays off!
Why is pounding the chicken breast important? Does it really make a difference?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness is crucial for even cooking. It ensures the entire breast cooks at the same rate, preventing the edges from drying out before the center is done. It's like making sure all the Jaffa Cakes in the packet are the same size nobody likes a runt!
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours? What’s the maximum time?
While a longer marinade can impart more flavor, avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, especially with acidic marinades like lemon juice. The acid can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy rather than tender. Think of it as over steeping your tea it'll get bitter!
For best results, stick to the recommended time.
What if I don't have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs for these juicy chicken breast recipes?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor, dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Remember that dried herbs tend to be more potent, so adjust the amount to your liking.
It's like comparing ground coffee to fresh beans; both work, but the ratios are a bit different.
How long can I store leftover cooked chicken breast, and how do I reheat it without drying it out?
Cooked chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat without drying it out, wrap the chicken in a damp paper towel and microwave it in short intervals (30 seconds), or gently warm it in a skillet with a little broth or sauce. Avoid overheating!
You can also slice it up and add it to salads or sandwiches.
What are some healthy side dish options to serve with this lemon herb chicken?
This Lemon Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of healthy sides. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Quinoa or brown rice are also great for a complete meal. You could even try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
It's like finding the perfect pairing for your fish and chips - a lovely balanced meal.
Lemon Herb Panseared Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
