Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken

Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Season the chicken:
   In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Sear the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the garlic lemon sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn).

4. Add lemon:
   Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 1 minute.

5. Combine:
   Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the spicy garlic lemon sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes so everything melds together.

6. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or with roasted veggies.