Garlic-Infused Lemon Pepper Chicken

Enjoy a succulent chicken dish where bright lemon zest and robust garlic flavors infuse a tender, seared chicken breast, enhanced with the aromatic punch of freshly ground black pepper.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic finely to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the dish. Use a microplane or grater to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Freshly grind pepper for the best flavor enhancement.
2. 2.
   Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, indicating it's hot enough, place the chicken breast in the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side or until it reaches a beautiful golden brown color. This step locks in the juices, providing a tender texture.
3. 3.
   Reduce heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and spread it evenly in the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the lemon zest over the chicken, followed by the freshly ground black pepper. Use a spoon to gently baste the chicken with the garlic-infused oil. Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors, cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness. Slice and serve immediately, drizzling any leftover garlic oil from the pan over the slices for added flavor.