Simple Yet Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Then look no further than our easy lemon chicken recipe! This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course, served with a side of rice or pasta. The fresh lemon adds a vibrant flavor to the tender chicken, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, but delivers maximum flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (bone-in or skin-on)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

To start with, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer using a skillet on the stovetop, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Clean and dry each chicken breast thoroughly. Season both sides of the breasts generously with salt, pepper, and freshly grated lemon zest. Drizzle some of the lemon juice on top to enhance the flavor further.

For oven baking: Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer inside an 8x12-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

If you're using a skillet method, sauté the garlic gently in butter until fragrant. Once the chicken is seared on one side, flip it and continue cooking for another few minutes. Add the lemon juice and stir everything together to let flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

Once done, transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate lined with parchment paper or directly into your serving dish if baking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve this delightful dish alongside some steamed broccoli or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

This lemon chicken recipe works wonderfully well as part of various dining occasions such as family dinners, potlucks, or even picnics. The lemony zest not only complements the savory chicken but also makes it a refreshing change from more traditional meals.

Health Benefits

Lemons are rich in vitamin C which aids in boosting your immune system and helps protect you against infections. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals within the body thus promoting overall health.

The chicken provides a good amount of protein essential for muscle growth and repair. Including this dish regularly can contribute positively to maintaining a balanced diet.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer preservation. To reheat, simply microwave it according to package instructions or place it back into your baking dish and warm it gently at 300°F (150°C).

Try different variations too! You could add herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process to give the chicken an extra kick. Alternatively, you can serve the lemon chicken over a bed of salad leaves for a lighter option.

The simplicity and versatility of this recipe make it accessible even for beginners in culinary arts. With just basic kitchen tools, you can prepare a memorable dish that satisfies your taste buds while being easy on your time.

Conclusion

Lemon chicken is more than just another dinner option; it's about bringing freshness and simplicity to the table. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with others, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and delightful flavors. So next time you're looking for something light yet satisfying, try your hand at this simple but delicious lemon chicken dish!