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Easy Lemon Chicken

A flavorful and simple dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a vibrant lemon mixture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spice Mixture
  • 2 tsp dried oregano Use high-quality spices for the most flavor.
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Marinade
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed is the best.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 to 3 tsp minced garlic Always use fresh garlic for an authentic kick.
For the Chicken
  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • Kosher salt and pepper To taste
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 whole lemons, halved
  • Extra virgin olive oil For cooking
  • Fresh parsley For garnish, use fresh for vibrant finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the oregano, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg for the spice mixture. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic for the marinade.
  3. Generously season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper, then add them to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  4. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours in the fridge.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the halved lemons directly over the chicken as it cooks.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking. Marinating overnight will enhance flavors.