Zesty Lemon Chicken

Zesty Lemon Chicken is a straightforward recipe with basic ingredients, making it ideal for beginners. The steps are easy to follow, and the marinade provides a big burst of flavour with minimal effort. Plus, this dish is versatile — you can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken, and it pairs well with many side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the juice of 2 lemons, the zest from 1 lemon, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together to make a zesty marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Marinate for up to 4 hours for the best flavour, but if you're in a rush, even a short marinating time will infuse the chicken with flavour.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan if needed. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Slice the chicken and serve with an extra drizzle of lemon juice, if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
   
   

Serving Suggestions:

You can serve Zesty Lemon Chicken with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or rice. For a Mediterranean twist, serve it with a quinoa salad or roasted potatoes. If you want a lighter meal, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly.

Tips for Beginners:

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches 75°C (165°F).
   
   
2. Customise the Flavours: You can easily adjust the amount of lemon or garlic in the marinade to suit your taste. Add more lemon for extra zing or more garlic for a stronger kick.
   
   
3. Meal Prep Option: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it when you're ready to eat. The chicken can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick meals during the week.