Perfectly Balanced Lemon Chicken

In today’s fast-paced world, many people look for quick yet healthy meals to prepare. One such recipe that fits the bill is perfectly balanced Lemon Chicken. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients. The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people.

Lemon Chicken is a classic favorite with its tangy citrus flavor. It can be served as an appetizer or main course and goes well with various sides such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. The key to preparing the best Lemon Chicken lies in achieving that perfect balance of flavors. You want to ensure that the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and herbs come together to complement the chicken without overpowering it.

Here’s what you will need for this recipe:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

To start preparing your Lemon Chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 205 Celsius). Then, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside a bowl and whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and season with additional salt if needed.

Once all ingredients are mixed well in your bowl, place each seasoned chicken breast into it. Make sure that they are fully coated with the marinade. The time to let these sit before cooking depends on how large your pieces of chicken are; about 15 minutes is usually sufficient for optimal flavor penetration.

While marinating, prepare a baking sheet by placing parchment paper or a silicone mat onto it. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts evenly across this surface, ensuring there’s enough space between each one so they cook properly without sticking together. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the chicken to ensure even browning and place back into your preheated oven.

The cooking process itself is straightforward; it takes around 20 minutes for boneless skinless breast cuts, which are typically thinner. Keep an eye on them during this time; they should be golden brown when done. You can check their internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breasts - it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).

Once cooked through, remove the Lemon Chicken from the oven and let them rest for about five minutes before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute within the meat, making sure you have juicy and flavorful slices every time.

Serve your perfectly balanced Lemon Chicken alongside some steamed asparagus or quinoa for a complete meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. Garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired. Bon Appétit!

Enjoy this delicious recipe as part of your healthy lifestyle! Remember, the key to great taste lies in balancing flavors carefully, so don't hesitate to tweak ingredients according to personal preference when making Lemon Chicken.