Lemony Garlic Chicken
The zing of lemon and garlic plus a few shallots and spices work together to create a bright and smoky marinade for grilled chicken. We currently lack access to a barbecue, or backyard for that matter, so we cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan (which has ridges to leave grill marks on the meat). When we make this recipe, it is called, “Jackson’s favorite chicken.” My hope is that one day he will stop dipping it in ketchup. Leftovers make a great salad.
Lemony Garlic Chicken
Making the marinade takes minutes, but the elapsed time is to allow the flavors to marinate. Chicken thighs also work well, especially on the outdoor grill. We like to serve with sliced avocado. Don't leave the chicken marinating longer than 2-3 hours as the acid from the lemon juice could start to break down the chicken breast.
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Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- One at a time, place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic and pound to get an even thickness. Juice lemons, remove seeds but any pulp bits are fine. In a small glass bowl, whisk lemon juice into extra virgin olive oil. Smash and dice garlic cloves, dice shallots and then add both to bowl. Add remaining ingredients, whisk to incorporate. Pour over pounded chicken breasts into ziploc bag and leave in refrigerator for 2-3 hours. When ready to cook, remove chicken from bag and scrape off as much of the garlic and shallot as possible as the little bits will burn. Cook chicken on both sides until done.