Deliciously Simple Lemon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy dinner that won't take all evening to prepare? Our deliciously simple lemon chicken recipe is perfect for those nights when you need something fast but still flavorful. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish serves four people generously.

Lemon chicken has been a favorite among home cooks for its simplicity and the vibrant burst of flavor it brings to any meal. This recipe uses just a few ingredients, ensuring that the natural flavors of lemon and chicken are the stars of the show. The key to making this dish shine is in the freshness of your ingredients; always use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: 20 minutesServings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano or thyme until well combined.

Evenly pour this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure that each piece is coated with the marinade. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes; this step will help infuse more flavor into your chicken.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature, which helps when cooking. Place the covered dish on a baking tray inside the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 20-25 minutes.

Alternatively, you can also cook this chicken on the stovetop using a pan and some olive oil instead of baking it in the oven. Heat up your skillet over medium heat, then add a tablespoon or two of olive oil along with the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear until golden brown on both sides before transferring to an oven-safe dish for baking as mentioned earlier.

Once cooked thoroughly, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The nutritional values can vary based on the size of chicken breasts used and whether you include additional sides like potatoes, rice, or salads. However, without these extra components, here's a general estimate:

• Calories: Approximately 300
• Total Fat: About 14g
• Saturated Fat: Around 2.5g
• Cholesterol: About 90mg
• Sodium: Roughly 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Slight presence from lemon if squeezed by hand, otherwise negligible
• Fiber: Negligible amount
• Sugars: Minimal due to natural lemon content only
• Protein: About 50g

This meal is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats. It’s low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary preferences including those who follow keto or paleo diets.

Additional Tips & Tricks

If you want to add some extra zest to your lemon chicken without altering its simplicity too much, consider adding a few capers towards the end of cooking. Capers bring a tangy bite that complements the lemon perfectly while enhancing overall complexity and texture.

For vegetarians or those who prefer lighter meals, you could substitute the chicken with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant strips. These vegetables absorb flavors beautifully when marinated similarly to what was done for the main protein. Serve them alongside some quinoa or couscous if desired.

Lastly, try serving this lemon chicken dish over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed in extra virgin olive oil and garlic - it creates an amazing contrast between the crispiness of the chicken and creaminess of the pasta while soaking up all the delicious juices from the marinade. This simple yet elegant twist elevates what could be just another standard weeknight dinner into something truly special.