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Forgotten Chicken

Forgotten Chicken
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Forgotten Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and comforting one-pan recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring simple pantry staples and a rich combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, this dish delivers juicy, tender chicken with minimal fuss and cleanup. Mild and family-friendly, it can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile favorite for any home cook.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Aromatics & Oils

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the hot pan and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes per side. This locks in the juices and creates a beautiful color.
  3. Add Garlic and Lemon: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly over the chicken to brighten the flavors.
  4. Simmer to Finish: Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the pan juices for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through and absorbs the garlic and lemon essence.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme over the chicken. Serve immediately for the freshest presentation and taste.

Notes

  • Pat Dry Chicken: Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect sear.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of browning.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides better flavor than bottled juice.
  • Keep Garlic Low and Slow: Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: forgotten chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/forgotten-chicken/