Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect dish that combines the warmth of comfort food with zesty flavors that awaken the palate. This dish features juicy chicken infused with garlic and lemon, served atop tender spaghetti, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Imagine the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen, the golden chicken sizzling in the pan, and the final presentation garnished with fresh parsley. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Second, the marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor, which means every bite is tender and juicy. Third, it offers a beautiful presentation, making it a great choice for entertaining guests. Fourth, the lemon and garlic combination is universally loved, ensuring that both kids and adults will enjoy it. Additionally, you can easily adapt the recipe for meal prep, ensuring delicious leftovers for lunch. With its crispy skin, this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe makes dinner both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients for Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Gather these items:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 boneless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

How to Make Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining garlic, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Whisk the marinade until well blended and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them.
4. Step 4: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
5. Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Step 6: Cook marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Step 8: Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
9. Step 9: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and toss in cooked spaghetti.
10. Step 10: Drizzle additional lemon juice and zest over the spaghetti and stir gently.
11. Step 11: Add sliced chicken on top of the spaghetti and toss gently to combine.
12. Step 12: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Keep these in mind:

• Marinate the chicken for best flavor.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• For a Baked Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken, try baking the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

There are several excellent ways to serve this delicious dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting treat. For a more decadent touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

To store leftovers, place the chicken and spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it moist. This dish is perfect for Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken for Meal Prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken?

The secret lies in the marinade. Allowing the chicken to soak up the lemon garlic flavors for at least 30 minutes ensures it is juicy and full of flavor. Additionally, cooking it at the right temperature helps achieve that coveted crispy skin.

Can I make Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply follow the steps outlined for a quick dinner option.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature and never overcrowd the pan while cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the crispy texture.

Variations of Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken You Can Try

Consider trying Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Crispy for a different cut of meat. You can also experiment with adding vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a one-pan meal. For a twist, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an aromatic flavor boost.

For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.

Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken: 5 Perfect Steps to Delight

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Crispy lemon garlic chicken spaghetti is a dish featuring tender pasta and juicy chicken infused with garlic and lemon.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 boneless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade by combining garlic, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk the marinade until well blended and fragrant.
3. Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Cook marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
9. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and toss in cooked spaghetti.
10. Drizzle additional lemon juice and zest over the spaghetti and stir gently.
11. Add sliced chicken on top of the spaghetti and toss gently to combine.
12. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for best flavor.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg