Spicy lemon and garlic pan-fried chicken strips captivate the senses with their enticing aroma, delivering a fiery kick, a zesty tang, and a robust garlic flavor, all encapsulated in a delightfully crispy exterior. It’s a delicious, easy low-carb skillet dinner that is great in wraps, salads, with rice, or vegetables!

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Easy Spicy Lemon Pan Tried Chicken Strips

Spicy lemon and garlic pan-fried chicken strips offer a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures that are sure to delight the palate. The chicken strips are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a variety of spicy seasonings, ensuring that every bite is infused with bold, robust flavors. The acidity of the lemon not only adds a bright, citrusy kick but also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in strips that are both flavorful and succulent. The garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dish, while the spices bring a welcome heat that lingers on the tongue.

When it comes time to cook, the chicken strips are pan-fried to perfection in a hot skillet, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior that provides a satisfying crunch. The high heat of the pan works to sear in the juices, ensuring that the strips remain moist and tender on the inside. The result is a dish that balances the fiery heat of the spices with the refreshing tang of the lemon and the savory goodness of the garlic. Served alongside a cool, creamy dip or a fresh salad, these spicy lemon and garlic pan-fried chicken strips make for a delicious and flavorful meal that’s as suited to a weeknight dinner as it is to a casual gathering with friends.

How to Make Spicy Lemon Chicken

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Butter (4 tbsp) – Butter adds a rich, creamy texture and a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the overall taste of a dish.
• Chicken (1 lb) – Chicken has a mild, slightly savory flavor that absorbs and complements the seasonings and ingredients it is cooked with.
• Celtic sea salt (1 tsp) – Celtic sea salt enhances the natural flavors of ingredients with its briny taste and trace minerals, adding depth to the dish.
• Black pepper (2 tsp) – Black pepper introduces a sharp, piquant warmth, adding complexity and a slight heat to the flavor profile.
• White wine or chicken stock (1/2 cup) – White wine brings a bright acidity and a fruity undertone, helping to balance richer ingredients and deglaze cooking pans. Chicken stock provides a savory, meaty foundation, enriching the dish with a complex layer of flavors.
• Garlic (1/4 cup) – Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick, contributing a deep, savory note that intensifies when cooked.
• Red pepper flakes (2 tsp) – Red pepper flakes offer a fiery, spicy heat that lingers on the palate, adding excitement to the dish.
• Cilantro (1/4 cup) – Cilantro introduces a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavor that adds brightness and a hint of herbaceousness.
• Lemon – Lemon provides a tart, refreshing zing, cutting through richer flavors and adding a burst of citrus that enlivens the entire dish.

Use this Method

Cook Chicken. In a large, heavy pan heat butter until melted on medium high heat – as hot as you can get your pan without burning the butter. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Salt and pepper chicken generously while cooking. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Make Sauce. Deglaze pan with wine or stock, let cook down – about 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan! Add garlic to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and stock has mostly cooked off – another 3-4 minutes. Add lemon juice. Add red pepper flakes and cilantro, stir.

Combine. Add back chicken to pan, toss well to coat in sauce. Continue to heat for 1-2 minutes until chicken has absorbed a bit of the sauce. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, in a wrap or over a salad!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Pan-Fried Chicken Strips

Marinate for Flavor: Ensure that the chicken strips are marinated for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours as the acid from the lemon can start to break down the chicken if left too long.

Balanced Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of spices. Ensure there’s enough oil in the marinade to keep the chicken moist.

Slice Evenly: Cut the chicken into even strips to ensure uniform cooking.

Pat Dry: Before marinating, pat the chicken dry to help the marinade stick better and result in a crispier exterior when cooked.

Preheat the Pan: Ensure the pan is properly preheated before adding the chicken to get a good sear.

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry.

Use the Right Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning.

Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

Serve with a Dip: Serve with a cooling dip to balance the heat, or a lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrus.

Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of spicy ingredients to suit your personal taste.

Even Coating: Ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the marinade for a consistent flavor throughout.

FAQs

What to Enjoy with Lemon Garlic Chicken

Spicy lemon and garlic pan-fried chicken strips are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks for a well-rounded meal. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect accompaniments:

Side Dishes:

1. Cooling Dips: Serve with a cooling dip like tzatziki, ranch, or a garlic aioli to balance the heat.
2. Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can act as a neutral base, soaking up the flavors.
3. Steamed or Grilled Vegetables: Opt for mild vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to add nutrition without overwhelming the palate.
4. Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the citrus notes in the chicken.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries can offset the spiciness of the chicken strips.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn can provide a sweet and juicy contrast.
7. Garlic Bread: For an indulgent option, serve with garlic bread to double down on the garlic flavor.

Beverage Pairings:

1. Light Beers: A crisp lager or pilsner can refresh the palate between bites.
2. White Wine: Choose a light and crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
3. Iced Tea: A lemon or peach iced tea can complement the citrus notes and provide relief from the spice.
4. Sparkling Water: A cold sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon can cleanse the palate.
5. Cocktails: Opt for a light cocktail like a gin and tonic or a mojito.

Dessert Pairings:

1. Fruit Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet can offer a refreshing end to the meal.
2. Light Cakes: A sponge cake or angel food cake can provide a sweet contrast without being too heavy.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with a drizzle of honey can soothe the palate and add a sweet note.

Try these Sweet C’s favorites next:

Also try my favorites like Spicy Tequila Lime Chicken Fettuccine, Chicken Taco Stuffed Peppers, Cheesy stuffed chicken parmesan, Whole Roasted Montreal Chicken , Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Bowls, and One Pot Lemon Chicken and Asparagus.

Spicy Lemon Garlic Pan Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

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