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When you want bold, fresh flavor without the wait, these lemon oregano chicken breasts are the ultimate season-and-go recipe.
Oregano Lemon Chicken
When I don't have time to marinate chicken in my lemon chicken marinade but still want that fresh, zesty flavor, I make these lemon and oregano chicken breasts.
For the ultimate flavor and to lock in the moisture, I pan-sear the chicken breasts, and since I butterfly them, they cook really fast, in half the time. You can also grill or bake them, whichever method is your favorite.
Simple Ingredients
You’ll only need three ingredients to make your chicken breasts super flavorful: salt, oregano, and lemon (the zest and the juice). Could it be any simpler? I know!
How to Make Lemon Oregano Chicken Breasts
In the recipe card you’ll find all the details to make this delicious meal, but before you jump there, here’s an overview of the easy steps:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts for quicker and even cooking.
- Season the chicken with salt and oregano. Zest the lemon over one side of the chicken.
- Cook in a pan for about 4 minutes per side. Before removing the chicken breasts from the pan, squeeze half a lemon, and then add a little more after serving.
If simple recipes like this are your jam, you need to try my cumin chicken asap!
How to Use Lemon Oregano Chicken
Serve this delicious chicken with cilantro lime rice or these quick spicy asparagus. It can also be a tasty protein addition over a salad or in farro bowls. Amazing!
Lemon Oregano Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, about 2 pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
Prep:
- On a flat surface, butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally through the middle. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt and oregano on both sides. Zest the lemon over one side of the chicken breasts.
Cook:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil and heat it up. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan, lemon zest side down, and cook, without moving them, for 4 minutes on the first side, then once golden and seared, flip them over and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken breasts' internal temperature reaches 165F. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken breasts in the pan and remove them onto a plate.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken breasts and squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice.
Notes
- Whole chicken breasts, without butterflying them, will take about 7 minutes per side to cook.
Dawn says
Everyone in my family loved this lemon oregano chicken! Yummm
Taylor says
Who knew somehing as simple as lemon and oregano could be this delicious! For sure making this one again.
Paige says
This lemon oregano chicken was delicious! Will be making again!
Karen says
Such a simple recipe, but the chicken breasts were incredibly flavorful! I didn’t know oregano could do all that!
Alice says
wow! chicken with lemon and oregano is so delicious!!