Paired with sautéed Swiss chard, roasted potatoes and onions, and my Lemony Basil Pesto
This chicken recipe requires a simple marinade and then you can choose to grill, pan sear, or roast. I personally love the char that comes from grilling it, which helps seal in the moisture and adds great flavor. I personally love pairing this chicken with my Lemony Basil Pesto for a bright and bold taste!
I love cooking with lemon because the flavor-enhancing citrus fruit is also a nutritional powerhouse! Just remember, when zesting lemons or putting lemon slices into water, use organic lemons! You don’t want the pesticides and chemicals interfering with the health benefits.
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken breasts (I prefer skin on for added flavor)
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 2 lemons
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (loosely packed)
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat grill
In a large ziploc bag, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and basil.
Salt and pepper both sides of chicken and then add to ziploc bag. Shake it up so the marinade covers chicken.
Marinate for about 4 hours or overnight.
Place marinated chicken on the hot grill for about 6 minutes a side (timing depends on thickness of chicken breasts) or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove chicken from grill; cover and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Serve with lemony basil pesto and garnish with fresh lemons
Health Benefits of Lemons:
Lemons are acidic, but once ingested, they are alkalizing and help to restore balance to the body’s pH.
They are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids (antioxidants), which boost your immune system
Lemons help detoxify your liver and flush out toxins
Lemons help with digestion and the regulation of bowel movements
They have anti-aging agents, helping our skin to look and feel younger
They help our bodies to absorb the iron in foods, which many of us (especially vegetarians) are deficient in
Sources and Extra Reading:
https://www.edisoninst.com/15-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water-in-morning-empty-stomach/
https://draxe.com/lemon-nutrition/
https://www.getthenewlife.com/blog/lemons-are-truly-a-superfood/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4769/Why-You-Should-Drink-Warm-Water-Lemon.html
https://www.zliving.com/beauty/anti-aging/lemon-anti-aging-friend-8565/
