Easy and Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon chicken is a popular dish that combines tangy lemon with tender, juicy chicken for an easy yet flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend lunches. The combination of fresh lemons, garlic, and herbs makes this dish both tasty and healthy.

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup of lemon juice from about three lemons, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 6 cloves of garlic minced, salt to taste, pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.

For those who are looking for a simple yet delicious meal, this lemon chicken dish is perfect. It’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main course or paired with a side salad. Let's dive into the details of how you can make this tasty lemon chicken at home.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe yields 4 servings, which should take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set this aside.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the mixture you prepared earlier using your hands or a spoon. Make sure that each side of the chicken is fully covered in marinade to ensure even flavoring.
Bake the lemon chicken for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast away from the bone. Alternatively, you could cook it under the broiler if preferred.
Once done, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices and ensure optimal tenderness.
To garnish, sprinkle some fresh parsley over each piece of lemon chicken just before serving. You can also serve alongside a simple side dish like steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables if desired.

Tips for Success

Ensure that your baking sheet is adequately prepared with parchment paper to avoid sticky situations during cleanup.
If you prefer less spicy garlic, reduce the number of cloves used in the marinade. Conversely, adding more can enhance its pungent flavor significantly.
The resting period after cooking helps distribute the flavors throughout the meat ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of savory and lemony goodness.

Health Benefits

Lemon chicken is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits due to its rich vitamin C content from lemons, along with lean protein found in chicken breast. Regular consumption can help boost immunity, improve digestion, and support heart health as part of a balanced diet.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the last few minutes of baking for an extra burst of color and nutrients. For those who love more intense lemon flavors, increase the quantity used in your marinade accordingly.

Conclusion

With its straightforward preparation process and delightful taste profile, lemon chicken stands out as a versatile addition to any household's repertoire of go-to recipes. Whether you're hosting friends over or simply treating yourself after a long day at work, this dish promises satisfaction on both the palate and soul.

Final Note

This article provides step-by-step instructions along with tips for achieving the best possible results when making your lemon chicken. Try out this recipe today and enjoy its delightful combination of flavors in your next meal!