Zesty Chicken Breasts
Infused with vibrant citrus flavors and a touch of smoky spice, these Zesty Chicken Breasts promise to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. Marinated in a bold blend of lemon and lime juice, fragrant orange zest, and a medley of warming spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano, this recipe is all about flavor-packed simplicity. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, locking in its juicy tenderness, and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it's a quick and healthy option that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, this dish delivers a zesty twist on classic chicken recipes that your family will adore.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This ensures even cooking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, orange zest, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing the excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet or on the grill pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1577 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.0 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 2879 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 215.7 g | 431% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 291 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
