Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that can be ready in under an hour? If so, then Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken is perfect for you! This recipe yields 4 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. The tangy lemon and savory garlic flavors create a delightful balance of taste making it ideal as a main dish or side with pasta.

Ingredients required are basic enough for even beginners in the kitchen:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced finely
• Zest & juice from 1 lemon
• A dash of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (approximately 205°C). While it heats up, prepare a baking tray. If you have parchment paper at hand, spread some over the tray; this helps in easy removal of the chicken from the tray once it’s done cooking.

Next, season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. This step is important as proper seasoning brings out the natural flavors of your ingredients. Using a bowl, mix the minced garlic with lemon zest and juice until well combined.

Carefully transfer this mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts ensuring even distribution so that every bite gets an equally good hit of those savory aromatics from both sides. Drizzle just enough olive oil on top to lightly coat the chicken but not too much as excess oil can lead to greasy results.

Place the prepared tray into your preheated oven and set a timer for about 30 minutes, or until an internal thermometer inserted near the center of one breast registers at least 165°F (74°C), indicating that it has reached safe eating temperature. Remember to check halfway through cooking as different ovens may vary slightly.

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p>Meanwhile, while your chicken is baking, you could consider making a side dish such as steamed broccoli or a simple salad. These accompaniments not only enhance the nutritional value of your meal but also provide contrast in taste and texture to balance out each bite.

Tips & Variations

For those who prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of lemon zest slightly while increasing the garlic for more warmth. Another variation would be substituting chicken breasts with thighs if you're looking for extra juiciness. If you have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary available in your pantry, sprinkle them over the chicken before placing it into the oven as an aromatic boost.

Another tip is to allow some of the cooked lemon garlic juices from the tray to drizzle over the top once the chicken comes out of the oven. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation element making your meal look more appetizing. You might even want to try this recipe with other proteins such as salmon or pork chops for variety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken is an incredibly versatile and easy-to-make recipe that caters well to beginner cooks and those seeking quick yet flavorful meals. Its simplicity combined with bold flavors makes it suitable for various occasions from casual weeknight dinners to impressive guest events. Whether you're preparing this dish for yourself or someone else, enjoy the rich taste of lemon and garlic as they meld harmoniously within each bite.