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Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

crispy lemon herb chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy, and tender chicken breasts flavored with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless chicken breasts, skin-on if possible
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to an even ¾-inch thickness if uneven.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Turn to coat thoroughly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Lay chicken breasts skin-side down and sear without moving for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium, add butter if using, and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Spoon melted butter and pan juices over chicken while cooking.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before marinating is essential for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat and avoid flipping too soon to prevent sticking. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Butter is optional for added richness. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-lemon-herb-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-chicken/