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Lemon Mediterranean Chicken Breast

Juicy lemon Mediterranean chicken breast grilled golden with fresh parsley and lemon slices on white plate
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Juicy, golden chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices, then grilled or broiled to perfection. A simple, healthy, high-protein weeknight dinner ready in 45 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl or gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Whisk together until spices are fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
  2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Pierce each breast 3 to 4 times with a fork to help the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat.
  3. Place chicken into the marinade, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Do not exceed 2 hours or the lemon juice will break down the texture of the meat.
  4. For grilling, heat to medium-high and oil the grates well. For broiling, position the oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat to high. Optionally reserve 1 tablespoon of marinade before adding raw chicken to brush on halfway through cooking.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), with a golden-brown exterior and light char marks. Pull from heat at 155 degrees F and allow carryover cooking to finish the job.
  6. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately with your choice of Mediterranean sides.

Notes

  • If chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, pound to an even 3/4-inch thickness before marinating to ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Pull chicken off the heat at 155 degrees F. Carryover cooking during the 5-minute rest will bring it safely to 165 degrees F without drying it out.
  • Fresh lemon juice delivers significantly better flavor than bottled. Use it whenever possible.
  • Chicken thighs work as a substitute and stay even juicier. Add 2 to 3 extra minutes of cook time and verify the temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Do not marinate longer than 2 hours. The acidity in the lemon juice will start to break down the outer texture of the chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/lemon-mediterranean-chicken-breast/