Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

In this article, you will learn how to prepare an easy lemon garlic chicken recipe that is not only delicious but also healthy and quick to make. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal when time is limited.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on)

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare all the ingredients by slicing the lemon, mincing garlic, and measuring out the other spices and seasonings. If you're using fresh oregano, make sure it's finely chopped.

Once your kitchen is set with the ingredients, start by making a marinade for your chicken breasts. In a shallow dish or container that can hold the chicken and fits in your oven, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The lemon juice should be fresh squeezed from one half of a lemon; use it to enhance the flavor of the marinade.

Next, add the 4 chicken breasts to the marinade, turning them gently to coat completely on both sides. Make sure that they are fully submerged in the mixture for at least 10 minutes so that the flavors can penetrate into the meat. This will help tenderize and add flavor to your chicken.

After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them skin side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you don't have parchment paper, you could also use a non-stick baking mat; it's essential for easy cleanup later.

Lemon slices can be arranged around the chicken on the baking tray for added presentation. Roasting in an oven will ensure that the lemon juices and marinade flavors are incorporated into the meat while cooking. The chicken breasts should take about 25 minutes to cook through, but make sure to check them halfway through by inserting a food thermometer into one of the thickest parts; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

If you're looking for extra flavor and texture, consider adding some vegetables like broccoli florets or asparagus spears alongside your chicken. These can be roasted along with the chicken in the same pan for about 20 minutes if they are already partially cooked. This will make a complete meal without needing additional cooking time.

Once ready, let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes before serving. During this period, you can squeeze any remaining lemon juice over each piece of chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Ensure that your chicken breasts are not too thick as they may take longer to cook evenly. If necessary, cut them in half horizontally before marinating.
2. For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during the final few minutes of cooking instead of using dried ones at the beginning of preparation.
3. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic and lemon juice used. Conversely, increase these quantities for greater zestiness based on personal preference.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

The following nutritional breakdown provides an estimation of calories, fat content, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber in one serving of the easy lemon garlic chicken recipe:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g

This lemon garlic chicken recipe is easy to prepare and provides a tasty, nutritious dish for your family or friends. Try it out at home soon!

Enjoy your meal, and feel free to share your experiences with this recipe in the comments below.