Perfectly Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

Looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or paired with your favorite side? Try our perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make. The keyword in this article is "perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken."

The perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken is an excellent way to introduce your family or guests to a healthier meal option without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

4 whole chicken breasts (bone-in or skin-on)
1 cup of olive oil
Zest and juice from 3 lemons
5 cloves of garlic, minced
½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper
¼ teaspoon each of paprika, thyme, and parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Once the oven has reached temperature, lightly coat a baking pan with olive oil. Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared pan ensuring that they are not touching each other.

Mix the lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Carefully spoon this mixture over the top of each piece of chicken making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can also pour any remaining marinade into the pan for extra flavor if desired.

Bake the chicken breasts for about 25-30 minutes or until they are no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast away from the bone.
Remove the chicken from the oven once it is cooked to your desired doneness. If you’ve chosen to add extra marinade, drain off excess before removing the chicken.

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices inside the chicken breast to redistribute and ensures that every bite has maximum flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, thyme, or parsley if you wish to enhance its presentation. Serve immediately while hot.

Cooking Time & Servings

The perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken recipe takes about 35-40 minutes total time from start to finish and serves up to four people. This makes it an ideal choice for a family meal, dinner party, or casual get-together.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients Used

The ingredients used in this perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken recipe are not only delicious but also provide various health benefits:

Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
Garlic: Contains sulfur compounds that can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and fight bacteria.
Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps maintain good cholesterol balance. It also supports bone health due to its high vitamin E content.
Chicken breasts: A source of protein which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and recovery after exercise or injury.

Tips and Variations

To ensure your perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken turns out as good as it sounds, here are some helpful tips:

Make sure to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the meat to cook evenly throughout.
If you prefer a little extra zest, add more lemon juice or zest during preparation.
To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinade mixture.

For those who want to try something different, here are some delicious variations:

Chef’s Tip: You can use whole chicken legs instead of breasts for a heartier meal. Just note that baking time might need to be slightly increased depending on the size and thickness.
Vegan Version: For those following a vegan diet, consider using tempeh or tofu in place of the chicken breasts. Baking times may vary, so it is best to check internal temperatures frequently during cooking to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

The perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're entertaining friends or having a quiet family dinner at home, this dish will impress everyone with its delicious flavor profile and ease of preparation. Try it out today and see why so many people love it!