This Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Infusion is a bright, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of fresh lemon and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with tangy goodness while keeping it tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Once marinated, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
- Mediterranean Style: Add 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of capers to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a Mediterranean twist.
- Herb-Crusted: Before baking, coat the marinated chicken breasts with a mixture of 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs for a crispy exterior.
- Spicy Lemon Garlic: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of paprika to the marinade for a hint of heat that complements the citrus flavors.
Cooking Notes
- For extra tender chicken, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures even cooking and helps the marinade penetrate more effectively.
- If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Reserve some fresh marinade (before adding raw chicken) to drizzle over the finished dish for an extra burst of flavor, being careful to separate it before contact with raw chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted alongside the chicken.
- Pair with a light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a simple lemon vinaigrette for a complete and nutritious meal.
- For a heartier option, serve over garlic mashed potatoes or alongside roasted rosemary potatoes that can cook at the same temperature as the chicken.
Tips
- Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to avoid bitter white pith and get the most aromatic oils from the lemon skin.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.
- If the chicken appears to be browning too quickly during baking, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through completely.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 380mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Bone-in thighs will take about 35-40 minutes to cook through, while boneless thighs will need approximately 30-35 minutes. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? The most reliable way to check for doneness is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken – it should register 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part; properly cooked chicken should be white throughout with clear juices.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also fully cook the chicken, refrigerate it, and reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
- What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemons? If fresh lemons aren’t available, substitute 4-5 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice for the fresh juice. For the zest, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract or 2 teaspoons of dried lemon peel to capture some of that citrus flavor.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe combines bright citrus notes with aromatic garlic and herbs for a dish that’s both vibrant and satisfying. The quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the impressive flavor profile makes it suitable for entertaining guests. The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous variations to keep your meals interesting throughout the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish proves that delicious, healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired chicken as part of your regular meal rotation for a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers on both taste and nutrition.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Infusion is a bright, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of fresh lemon and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with tangy goodness while keeping it tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Once marinated, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or steamed rice. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. If you prefer a golden-brown top, broil the chicken for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, garlic chicken, baked chicken, healthy dinner, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner