ByThis 15-minute Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is juicy, healthy, and full of flavor. A quick and easy weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients. Perfect for beginners!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) chicken drumsticks or thighs, the fresher it is, the better it tastes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, cooks the chicken evenly.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic, brings natural strong aroma to the dish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, helps in softening the chicken.
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper, balances all tastes.
- 1 tsp salt, balances all tastes.
- ½ tsp oregano
Cooking Tips
Adding too much lemon can make the chicken a little sour, so maintain a balance.
• Lightly crush the garlic, this will help it blend its flavor well with the chicken.
Groundnut oil can also be used instead of olive oil.
• If the chicken is becoming dry, add some water or chicken stock and cook.
Cooking covered on low flame makes the chicken more juicy.
• If the pepper seems too spicy, use black pepper instead of red chili.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl. clean the chicken and marinate it with lemon and garlic for 15 minutes to allow the flavour to penetrate.
Step 2: Season
Add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the chicken is coated evenly.
Step 3: Cook
Heat a pan over medium-high. Place the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. heat the pan on medium flame and cook the chicken on both sides for 6–7 minutes until lightly golden.
Finally, reduce the flame to low and cover the chicken and let it cook for 5 minutes so that the tenderness remains.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Serve hot.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 260–300 kcal
- Protein: 25–28g
- Fat: 12–14g
- Carbohydrates: 2–3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Healthy, simple & flavorful
- Perfect for beginners
- No marination required
- Family-friendly recips
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
For safe cooking temperatures and food handling guidelines, refer to the official USDA website
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes! Slice the chicken breast thin so it cooks evenly.
Can I bake it?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Is it good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stays juicy even after reheating.
Can this recipe be made without an oven?
Yes, you can easily make it in a pan or wok. Just cook it on medium flame for 10-12 minutes.
Q. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken cooks quickly and absorbs flavour well.
Q. Can vinegar be used instead of lemon?
Yes, you can, but the flavor will change slightly. Lemon gives a more natural and fresh taste.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can make it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a little butter when reheating, and it will taste even better.
Q. Can this recipe be made spicy?
Yes, you can give it a spicy flavour by adding red chilli flakes, paprika or green chilli.
Pro Tips for Best Flavor
• Do not keep the lemon in the marination for more than 15–20 minutes, otherwise the chicken may become a little hard.
• If you want to enhance the flavour of garlic, then lightly sauté it and add it to the marination.
• For extra juicy taste, you can add 1 teaspoon butter at the end of cooking.
• If you like smoky flavour then cook on high flame for last 1 minute.
• Avoid turning the chicken too often—this makes the texture dry.
Storage & Reheating
If you’ve made too much Lemon Garlic Chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Add a little butter or olive oil to the pan while reheating, so the chicken becomes soft and juicy again.
When heating in the microwave, limit it to 30–40 seconds. So that the chicken doesn’t become tough.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple and flavourful recipe which even a beginner can make easily.
The freshness of lemon and the aroma of garlic together create a wonderful taste.
This recipe is quick to prepare, so you can easily make it even on a busy day.
If you like healthy, juicy and light dinner, then this dish is perfect for you.
Serve it with rice, roti or bread – it tastes amazing either way.
Read more: homemade chai masala
