This is one of those dinners that feels fancy — but takes almost no time.

I threw this together on a night when I was tired and didn’t want to think. I had chicken in the fridge, a lemon on the counter, and garlic (always). After a quick marinade and a fast pan-sear, the whole house smelled amazing and dinner was done.

It’s now a weeknight go-to. The chicken turns out juicy, golden, and full of bright, garlicky flavor — perfect with rice, roasted veggies, salad, or anything fresh and summery.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice + zest, garlic, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the chicken:
   Place chicken in the marinade and coat well. Let sit for 20–30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).

3. Cook the chicken:
   Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

4. Serve:
   Let rest for a few minutes, then slice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Sarah’s Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts if you want leaner.

• No grill pan? A cast-iron skillet works beautifully.

• Add a squeeze of extra lemon right before serving to brighten everything up.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 260

• Carbs: 2g

• Sugars: 0g

• Fat: 14g

• Protein: 30g

• Fiber: 0g