Every mouthwatering dish has a story worth savoring. The origins of lemon chicken can be traced back to the sunny Mediterranean coast, where the tangy citrus paired with succulent chicken has been enjoyed for centuries. Inspired by the flavors of this timeless classic, I decided to create a dish that celebrates the vibrant essence of lemon and combines it with wholesome greens. Join me as we embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the marriage of flavors in this Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and a Kale Salad recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

– 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Kale Salad:

– 4 cups of kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a well-incorporated marinade.

3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat all sides. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, let it sit for longer in the refrigerator to develop deeper flavors.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli by arranging the florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over them and sprinkle them with garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss the broccoli gently to evenly distribute the seasoning.

5. Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it is tender and starts to slightly char at the edges.

6. While the broccoli is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off, and add them to the skillet. Brown each side for around 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden crust.

7. Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to the oven and let the chicken cook for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. As the chicken finishes cooking, assemble the kale salad. In a large bowl, combine the torn kale leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Dress the salad with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Massage the dressing into the kale leaves gently, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors.

9. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness before slicing it into medallions.

10. Plate the Lemon Chicken alongside the roasted broccoli, and serve it with a generous helping of the vibrant Kale Salad.

Tips and Variations:

– For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish before serving.
– If you prefer your broccoli with a bit of crunch, reduce the roasting time to around 15 minutes.
– Feel free to substitute the kale with other leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, if desired.
– Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to the kale salad for extra texture and richness.

This Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Kale Salad recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. As you take your first bite, savor the harmonious blend of tangy lemon, succulent chicken, roasted broccoli, and refreshing kale. Allow these flavors to transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, where kitchens are alive with the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing incredible meals with loved ones. Enjoy!

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Servings Per Recipe 4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs: