1-Getting started with this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and we’ll walk you through it step by step for foolproof results. Begin by zesting and juicing one lemon into a large bowl, then mix in 1/4 cup olive oil, 5 crushed or minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley. Whisk everything together to form a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with zing.

2-Next, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create two thin cutlets per breast, and flatten them if needed for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry, season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper, then coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours this step really locks in the taste. Once marinated, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the cutlets in batches to avoid crowding, searing for about 4 minutes per side until golden and nearly done.

3-Remove the chicken at 160°F internal temperature, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to reach 165°F for safety and juiciness. Finally, slice the remaining lemon and use it along with extra parsley for a fresh garnish. The whole process takes about 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating, 8 minutes cooking, and totals around 48 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals.