How to Make a Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Here, we'll walk you through the steps of making this tasty recipe, complete with cooking times and serving sizes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Steps to Prepare Lemon Garlic Chicken

To start your delicious lemon garlic chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic and olive oil until smooth. Then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix everything well.

Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the seasoned mixture one by one, ensuring each side is evenly coated in the garlic-lemon sauce. Once all pieces are coated, let them marinate for approximately 20 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.

While your chicken is resting, prepare a baking dish suitable for accommodating all four pieces comfortably without overlapping. Lay down the seasoned chicken breasts on this prepared dish and spread any remaining marinade over each piece of chicken. Lastly, sprinkle some salt and pepper as per your preference before placing it into the preheated oven.

After approximately 35 to 40 minutes from when you placed the chicken in the oven, check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If not, continue cooking for another few minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once fully cooked, remove your perfectly flavored and tender lemon garlic chicken from the oven.

Allow it to rest for about five more minutes before slicing or serving directly from the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired but not necessary. This will help maintain its juiciness while resting.

Cooking Time

The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour, including the initial marination period which can be done up to a day ahead of serving.

Number of Servings

This dish serves four people generously. It pairs wonderfully well with steamed vegetables or pasta, making it an excellent main course for both adults and children alike.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor: Increase the amount of lemon juice slightly if you prefer a tangier taste, and add more garlic cloves if you like stronger garlicky notes.
• Varying proteins: While chicken is used here, feel free to experiment with other types such as shrimp or turkey for different flavors and textures.
• Grilling option: If preferred, instead of baking your lemon garlic chicken in the oven, you could also grill it on a hot stove top or outside grill. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on how quickly your grill reaches appropriate temperatures.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

This dish not only satisfies taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits due to its key ingredients like chicken, which is rich in protein; olive oil that contains beneficial fats; and fresh lemon providing vitamin C. However, always consider portion sizes as part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition details may vary depending on specific brands used or personal dietary preferences, but generally speaking, one serving of this dish contains around 250 calories per serving. It's important to note that these values are estimates and might differ based on exact measurements taken during preparation.

Conclusion

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p>Lemon garlic chicken remains a versatile and delightful recipe that can cater to various tastes and dietary needs. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s perfect for beginners who want to impress their family or friends at home. Try incorporating this dish into your meal rotation today!