Lemon 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-recipe/
