Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Lemon chicken is a popular dish that combines the bright flavor of lemons with savory chicken and herbs. This simple yet delicious recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes and serves four people. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as part of your Sunday roast, lemon chicken offers a delightful balance of tangy and tender flavors.

Ingredients you will need are: boneless, skinless chicken breasts; olive oil; garlic; lemon zest; lemon juice; fresh herbs like parsley or thyme; salt; pepper. You can adjust the amount according to your taste preference and availability. For this recipe, we have used four large chicken breasts, two tablespoons of olive oil, three cloves of garlic minced finely, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one tablespoon each of dried thyme and salt, pepper to taste.

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). You can start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking. Then, using a knife, make small incisions in the breast meat so that when you season it later, the flavors will penetrate deeper into the chicken.

Next step is to mix all the ingredients except for the lemon juice and olive oil in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Once everything is well combined, take out one chicken breast at a time, dip it in the marinade, then coat it with olive oil on both sides. Repeat this process until you have marinated all the chicken pieces.

Transfer the coated chicken breasts into a baking dish or roasting pan that has been lightly greased. Arrange them so they are not touching each other but still closely packed in order to get even cooking throughout. After arranging, pour half of the remaining lemon juice over each breast making sure it seeps through. This helps lock in moisture and adds an extra burst of flavor.

Place your baking dish into the preheated oven and cook for approximately 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). To check if they are done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast ensuring not to touch the bone. When cooked through thoroughly, remove them from the oven.

Allow the lemon chicken to rest for about five minutes before serving. During this resting period, it will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat from the pan or baking dish which helps keep the meat juicy and tender. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.

Optional garnishes include extra lemon slices placed around each plate for added visual appeal and freshness; fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds vibrant color and additional flavor complexity. Enjoy your meal!

In conclusion, making delicious lemon chicken is easier than it looks! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can prepare this dish in no time at all. Its tangy yet mild taste makes it ideal for various occasions from casual dinners to special celebrations like Easter Sunday lunches or dinner parties where guests appreciate diverse flavor combinations.

To serve this delightful lemon chicken, consider pairing it with sides that complement its acidity and richness. Here are some suggestions:

• Steamed broccoli - the vegetable’s slight bitterness balances out the citrusy flavors of the chicken
• Rice pilaf – adds a comforting warmth to balance the tanginess of the main course.
• Sautéed spinach – another green that works well alongside lemon chicken, providing freshness and nutrients.

By following these easy instructions, you can enjoy this refreshing dish anytime during the year. Not only does lemon chicken taste great, but it also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C from lemons which are beneficial for immune health.