Simple and Flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Lemon garlic chicken is a popular dish known for its tangy, zesty flavor that can be enjoyed as a main course or served as part of a larger meal. This versatile recipe is easy to prepare and goes well with most side dishes like steamed vegetables or pasta. In this article, we will walk you through how to make delicious lemon garlic chicken in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 lemons (1 for juicing, 2 sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oregano or other herbs of your choice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Cooking Time: Approx. 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Steps to Prepare Lemon Garlic Chicken:

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients.

1. Cut the lemons into thin slices and set aside two of them for garnish. Juice one lemon and measure out half a cup of fresh lemon juice.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano or any other herbs you like, then brush both sides generously with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon slices, and the juice from one lemon. This mixture will be used to marinate your chicken before cooking.
4. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or casserole that can go directly into the oven, then pour over the lemon-garlic marinade. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the flavors penetrate the meat slightly more.

After marinating, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (to make cleanup easier) and bake in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20-25 minutes. You can check if the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit using a meat thermometer.

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h2>Optional Add-Ons:

• Cooked rice: Serve this lemon garlic chicken with some fluffy white or brown rice for extra satisfaction.
• Fresh vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus will complement the flavors nicely.
• Crusty bread: For a complete meal, include some whole grain bread to soak up all the juices.

Once your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is done cooking in the oven, it's time to check if you've achieved that perfect golden brown color. If not, pop it back into the oven for another few minutes. Meanwhile, while the chicken is baking, pour the remaining marinade (including the sliced lemons) over your dish of chicken breasts.

Tips and Tricks:

1. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of capers to the lemon-garlic mixture before marinating the chicken. Capers add a briny taste which pairs wonderfully with the citrusy and garlicky elements.
2. To make this dish healthier while maintaining its great taste, consider using a low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth when making your marinade. It can also be beneficial to reduce the amount of salt used during seasoning.

Once your chicken is fully cooked and has had sufficient time to rest (about 5 minutes) after taking it out from the oven, garnish with the sliced lemons that you set aside earlier. Slice each breast into individual pieces; this makes for easier consumption.

Conclusion:

Lemon garlic chicken is not just a delightful meal but also an excellent way to show off your culinary skills. Its simplicity ensures everyone can prepare it, yet its complexity in flavor offers something unique that many appreciate. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a quick and tasty meal at home, this recipe is sure to please.

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p>Enjoy your homemade lemon garlic chicken with family or friends!