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Filipino lemon pepper chicken served with garlic rice in a comforting bowl
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Filipino Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Rice

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy lemon pepper chicken served with aromatic garlic rice, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Chicken Recipe, comfort food, Easy Dinner, Filipino Lemon Pepper Chicken, Garlic Rice
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

  • 4 pieces Chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are juicier, but drumsticks or breast work too.
  • 1 z Fresh lemon juice Fresh lemon is best, but bottled juice is fine in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Black pepper Do not be shy, this is where the kick comes from.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Lots for the rice, and a little for the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Fish sauce or soy sauce Choose one for that savory depth.
  • 1 pinch Salt Go easy at first if using fish sauce or soy sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar or honey Just a small pinch to round things out.

For the garlic rice

  • 2 cups Day-old rice Best used for garlic rice because it stays fluffy.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Butter gives a richer finish, oil is fine too.
  • 5 cloves Garlic Chopped or minced.
  • 1 pinch Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 splash Soy sauce Optional for color and extra savoriness.

Optional toppings and flavors

  • 1 teaspoon Chili flakes For a spicy version.
  • 2 pieces Calamansi Use instead of lemon for a more Filipino citrus vibe.
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped green onions For garnish.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

  • In a bowl, mix lemon juice, black pepper, minced garlic, fish sauce or soy sauce, and sugar. Toss in the chicken and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Sear the chicken

  • Heat a pan on medium to medium-high. Add oil and sear the chicken until golden brown spots appear.

Cook it through and make a quick sauce

  • Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook until chicken is done. Add a small splash of water if dry. Finish with butter and a squeeze of lemon, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Make the garlic rice

  • In a separate pan, heat oil and add garlic. Cook until light golden brown. Then add the rice, stir-frying until dry and evenly coated. Season with salt and soy sauce if desired.

Serve

  • Plate the garlic rice, top with the lemon pepper chicken, and drizzle any pan juices over the rice.

Notes

For best results, use day-old rice, and avoid overcooking the chicken. Add lemon at the end for brightness, and save the pan drippings for added flavor.