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Easy Lemon Chicken

A delightful chicken dish marinated with zesty lemon and savory spices, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Spice Mixture
  • 2 tsp dried oregano Consider substituting with thyme if you prefer.
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander An essential in many spice blends.
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin Adds warm depth to the dish.
  • 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg A hint adds warmth without overpowering.
For Marinade
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed is always best.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil A good quality brand makes a difference.
  • 2 to 3 tsp minced garlic Add more if you love garlic!
For Chicken
  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs Thighs stay juicier compared to breasts.
  • kosher salt and pepper Generous seasoning is recommended.
  • 1 large onion, diced For sweet sautéed goodness.
  • 2 lemons, halved Squeeze over chicken for brightness.
  • extra virgin olive oil For cooking and extra flavor.
  • fresh parsley for garnish A pop of freshness and color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the dried oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, and nutmeg to create the spice mixture.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic to form the marinade.
  3. Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper, then place them in the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and juices run clear.
  3. Squeeze the halved lemons over the chicken while cooking to enhance flavor.
Serving
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor penetration. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.