1-Getting started with this lemon garlic chicken: begins with prepping your ingredients for the best results. First, zest and juice one lemon into a large bowl to capture its fresh, bright flavor. Then, add the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and parsley, and whisk everything together until it’s well combined.

2-Next, prepare the chicken by slicing the breasts horizontally into cutlets for even cooking, and if you want, pound them lightly to flatten. Pat the chicken dry and season it with kosher salt and black pepper to help the flavors stick. Coat the chicken in the marinade, cover it up, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours to let those tastes soak in.

3-Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil and cook the chicken in batches, searing each side for about 4 minutes until it’s golden brown and almost done. Remove the chicken when it hits an internal temperature of 160°F, then tent it with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes so it reaches 165°F safely.

4>This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, with the total cooking time around 8 minutes plus resting. For added context, you can check out a similar recipe like our marry me chicken for more ideas on quick chicken dishes. After resting, garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices for a fresh finish.