Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken -

When you think about combining vibrant flavors in a dish, Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken might come to mind. You'll find that the infusion of Absolut Citron vodka, fresh lemon, and garlic creates a marinade that elevates the chicken to a new level of taste and tenderness. As you prepare it, consider how the searing process enhances its appearance and flavor. But what really makes this dish stand out is the careful balance of ingredients, leading to a final result that's both delicious and visually striking. Curious about the best techniques to achieve that perfect finish?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Absolut Citron adds a refreshing lemon flavor to chicken, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
Marinate chicken in Absolut Citron, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Sear marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, ensuring even cooking.
Deglaze the pan with Absolut Citron and lemon juice to create a flavorful sauce while simmering the chicken.
Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness and tenderness.

Premium Swedish Vodka Brand

When it comes to premium Swedish vodka brands, Absolut stands out as a top choice for many enthusiasts. Founded in 1879, Absolut has built a reputation for producing high-quality vodka that's both smooth and flavorful. If you've ever tried it, you know the distinct taste comes from the pure ingredients and the careful distillation process. Each bottle starts with winter wheat from the fields of Åhus, Sweden, ensuring a rich foundation for the spirit.

Additionally, Absolut's versatility allows it to be used in a variety of cocktails, including festive drinks like a cranberry vodka infusion, which highlights the brand's ability to complement vibrant flavors like a festive infusion.

Absolut isn't just popular for its taste; it's also known for its iconic bottle design. The sleek, clear glass showcases the vodka's clarity, making it a favorite for bars and home collections alike. With a variety of flavors, like Absolut Citron, you can enjoy different experiences, whether you're sipping it straight or mixing it into cocktails.

Moreover, Absolut takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. The brand focuses on reducing its environmental impact through responsible sourcing and production methods.

Recipe

Absolut Citron is a premium vodka known for its invigorating and zesty lemon flavor, making it a perfect addition to various cocktails and culinary creations. This Swedish vodka is crafted from natural ingredients and distilled multiple times for unparalleled smoothness, ensuring a delightful experience whether sipped neat or mixed into your favorite drinks.

Its bright citrus notes enhance any dish, and when paired with chicken, it elevates the meal to new heights.

When cooking with Absolut Citron, the vibrant essence of lemon complements the savory notes of garlic, resulting in a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. This vodka not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it succulent and juicy. It's an excellent way to bring a touch of sophistication to your home cooking.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Absolut Citron vodka
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

To prepare Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken, you'll need a mixing bowl for marinating the chicken, a skillet or frying pan for cooking, and a serving dish for presentation. Additionally, having a zester and a garlic press can make the preparation easier.

When preparing this recipe, be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight will enhance the taste even further.

Also, keep an eye on the heat while cooking; you want the chicken to sear nicely without burning the garlic. Finally, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

For a delightful dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A light, crisp white wine would also complement the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this dish and the compliments that are sure to follow!

Step 1. Marinate Chicken With Vodka Mixture

To guarantee your chicken absorbs all the vibrant flavors, start by combining the Absolut Citron vodka, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth marinade. This mixture will be the secret to your delicious chicken.

Next, take your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the vodka mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, then refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for a few hours or even overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

While the chicken marinates, you can prepare your sides or set the table. The aroma of lemon and garlic will start to fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Step 2. Sear Chicken Until Golden Brown

After marinating, it's time to sear the chicken to perfection. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil's hot and shimmering, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the surface. This sound means the chicken will sear beautifully!

Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on one side, or until you see a lovely golden-brown crust forming. Resist the urge to flip them too soon; letting them sit guarantees a nice sear.

Once the first side is golden, turn the chicken over to cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F.

As the chicken cooks, be mindful of the garlic in the marinade. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even more tender and juicy. Enjoy the delicious aroma while you prepare for the next steps!

Step 3. Add Lemon Zest Garnish

Adding a lemon zest garnish elevates the Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken, bringing a burst of freshness to the dish. After you've cooked the chicken to golden perfection, it's time to add that special touch.

Zesting a fresh lemon not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate. To prepare the garnish, grab a zester or a microplane, and gently run it along the lemon's skin. Be careful not to go too deep; you only want the bright yellow zest, not the bitter white pith underneath.

Once you have enough zest, sprinkle it generously over the chicken just before serving. This simple step transforms your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The zest captures the essence of lemon, brightening the flavors and making your meal visually appealing.

Plus, the lovely aroma will have everyone at the table excited to dig in. Don't forget to pair the chicken with some fresh parsley for even more color. This combination not only looks great but also adds a delightful freshness that complements the rich flavors of your delicious dish!

Enjoy your beautifully garnished meal!

Step 4. Simmer in Sauce for Flavor

Now that your chicken is beautifully garnished and ready, it's time to take the flavors to the next level by simmering it in a rich sauce.

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place your marinated chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they're golden brown.

Next, pour in the Absolut Citron vodka and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds depth to your sauce!

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all those amazing flavors while remaining juicy and tender.

As the sauce thickens slightly, it'll create a delightful coating for your chicken. Don't forget to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Once done, you're ready to serve a flavorful dish that'll impress everyone at the table!

Step 5. Rest for Juicy Tenderness

Letting your chicken rest is vital for achieving juicy tenderness. After cooking your Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken, you might be tempted to dig in right away, but patience pays off. When you let the chicken rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This means you'll enjoy a more flavorful and moist bite with every forkful.

During cooking, the heat forces the juices to the center of the chicken. If you cut into it immediately, those precious juices escape, leaving you with dry chicken. Instead, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps it warm while allowing it to relax.

While your chicken rests, you can take this time to prepare your side dishes or finish up any sauces. When you're ready to serve, slice the chicken against the grain; this helps make it even more tender.

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

For the best results with Absolut Citron Lemon Garlic Chicken, focus on marinating the chicken properly. Start by combining the Absolut Citron vodka, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.

Once mixed, add the chicken breasts, ensuring they're fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let them sit for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. This step really helps the flavors penetrate the chicken.

When cooking, use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic while still achieving a nice sear on the chicken. Searing locks in moisture, giving you juicy, tender meat.

Keep an eye on the chicken, and flip it once it's golden brown, cooking until it's no longer pink inside.

Don't forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute.