Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe

Lemon garlic chicken is a popular dish that combines the bright citrusy flavor of lemons with rich and aromatic garlic. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside a variety of vegetables for a light meal. In this article, we will guide you through how to prepare delicious lemon garlic chicken at home.

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people. The ingredients required are readily available in most kitchens, making the recipe accessible even on busy weekdays.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 large lemons (zest and juice)
• 6 cloves of garlic (minced or finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Marinate the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the zest of two lemons, minced garlic, olive oil, butter, and salt. Add the chicken breasts to this mixture and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes or as long as overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken breasts onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 3: Prepare Lemon Garlic Sauce

During the last five minutes of roasting, heat up a small saucepan. Add the juice from one lemon to the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in additional ingredients if desired such as a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil can be added during the final stages of cooking to enhance flavor.
• Basting: For a more tender texture, baste the chicken with some of the lemon garlic sauce during the last 10 minutes of roasting for extra flavor infusion.
• Vegetable Accompaniments: Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli florets or asparagus spears to complete your meal.

Garnishing and Serving

To serve, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Arrange slices of lemon garlic chicken on a platter. Drizzle some of the remaining lemon sauce over top. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic chicken is an easy yet delicious meal that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by all who appreciate a combination of citrusy freshness and savory richness. Whether served as part of a light lunch or alongside more substantial side dishes, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it out for yourself; your taste buds will thank you!