Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy way to bring bright, fresh flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the marinade.
- Try using bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for marinating and baking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating to ensure even cooking.
What herbs work best with lemon garlic chicken?
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley complement the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully. You can use a combination or choose your favorite based on what you have on hand.
PrintLemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. The combination of citrus and herbs creates a bright, flavorful dish that is both simple to prepare and impressive for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot when the chicken goes in, promoting a golden crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the surface is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender chicken.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid the lemon juice breaking down the meat excessively.
- You can add fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If preferred, bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, lemon chicken
