Transform regular chicken into an aromatic, zesty delight with this garlicky chicken steak recipe. Infused with the woodsy notes of sage and brightened by fresh lemon, this dish offers a delectable balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. While this dish brings the elegance of a restaurant meal, it’s uncomplicated enough to whip up on any weeknight.

Prep Time: 35 minutes (includes marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional lemon slices and whole sage leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep Chicken (5 minutes): Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or the flat end of a heavy saucepan, pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
Marinate Chicken (30 minutes): In a bowl, combine garlic, sage, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Place the chicken breasts in this marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cook Chicken (10-12 minutes): Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve (2 minutes): Transfer the garlicky chicken steaks to serving plates. Garnish with additional lemon slices and whole sage leaves. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken breasts can easily become dry when overcooked, so keep a close eye on them and use a meat thermometer if unsure – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). To make the dish even zestier, consider adding lemon slices to the pan while cooking. Pair this dish with some roasted vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal. White wine, especially one with citrus undertones, complements the flavors beautifully. Lastly, remember to always let meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute for a juicier bite!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: >1g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Pair this with...

Herby Baked Smashed Potatoes

Start with baby potatoes, boiling them until they're just tender. Once boiled, place them on a baking tray and use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently 'smash' them, keeping them mostly intact but flattened. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it seep into the crevices created by the smashing. Now, sprinkle a medley of your favorite herbs over them. Think rosemary, thyme, or even a touch of parsley. Add a pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper to enhance those herbal notes. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges of the potatoes turn crispy and golden, while the centers remain soft and fluffy.

Creamed Spinach

Start by wilting fresh spinach in a heated pan; you'll be surprised how much it shrinks down! Once wilted, set it aside. In the same pan, melt a generous knob of butter and sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic until they're translucent and aromatic. Stir in a splash of heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly. Fold the wilted spinach back into this creamy mixture, ensuring it's coated and soaking up all that rich flavor. Season with a touch of salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of nutmeg for that classic touch. Once it's all beautifully melded together, serve it up!

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.