Perfectly Balanced Lemon Chicken: A Simple Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Looking for a quick, nutritious dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor? Try this perfectly balanced lemon chicken! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for those days when you're in the mood to cook something hearty yet light. Let's dive into how easy it is to prepare this recipe.

The key ingredients for this dish include boneless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and a dash of honey. These simple staples can be found in most kitchens, ensuring you're always prepared when hunger strikes! The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with the total cooking process taking around 25-30 minutes, depending on your preference for doneness.

To begin, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, prepare a baking dish large enough to accommodate the chicken breasts in one layer. Next, mix together two tablespoons of olive oil with three tablespoons of lemon juice and finely chopped garlic cloves. You can use about two cloves, but you may adjust this according to taste. This mixture will provide both flavor and moisture to your chicken.

Once everything is ready in the oven, take out the preheated dish. Gently coat each piece of boneless chicken breast with the oil-lemon-garlic blend. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on all sides for seasoning. Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top; this adds color and another layer of freshness to the dish.

Place the coated chicken in the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit – approximately 20-25 minutes. During baking, every now and then rotate the pan slightly to ensure even cooking on all sides. When done, the chicken should be golden-brown with a slight crispness at the edges.

While your chicken is in the oven, you can prepare a side dish or simply enjoy this lemony goodness as a main course. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would complement it beautifully but isn't strictly necessary for enjoying its flavors fully.

For those who want to add a little sweetness to their meal without going overboard with sugars, consider adding half a tablespoon of honey during the final stages of cooking. It’s optional, though many find this touch enhances the balance between sour and savory tastes beautifully.

The total preparation time for this recipe is around 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners. Serves four people comfortably, providing portions that are neither too large nor too small given its rich flavor profile without requiring excessive effort or ingredients.

To serve, simply take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing across the grain into strips. Serve immediately with your chosen sides to maximize enjoyment!

Additional Tips

• For extra tenderness: Ensure your chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking.
• To enhance flavor: Marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes in the oil-lemon-garlic mixture prior to baking.
• Leftovers: The leftover lemon chicken can be enjoyed cold as a salad or used in sandwiches, making it versatile and convenient.

This simple yet flavorful recipe proves that good food doesn't need to be complicated. By focusing on fresh ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs, you create something truly special without overwhelming your pantry. Whether you're hosting friends for dinner or simply treating yourself after a long week, perfectly balanced lemon chicken is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.