Chicken in lemon garlic sauce with vegetable garnish

Chicken in lemon garlic sauce with a vegetable garnish is a light and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here’s a recipe to help you prepare this delightful meal:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Vegetable Garnish:

• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant (avoid burning).
   • Add the lemon juice, chicken broth (or wine), lemon zest, and thyme. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
   • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken absorbs the flavors.

2. Prepare the Vegetable Garnish:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they soften slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).

3. Serve:

• Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle them generously with the lemon garlic sauce.
• Add the sautéed vegetables as a vibrant, healthy garnish around the chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of citrus.

Enjoy your chicken in lemon garlic sauce with a beautiful vegetable garnish!