Introduction

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic create a delicious marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lemon, juiced and zested
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes or grill for about 6–7 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
Swap dried herbs with fresh herbs if available, but reduce the quantity by half.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter marinade, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Try serving the chicken over a bed of rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. Marinated raw chicken should be cooked within 24 hours for best freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well with this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken and brush with some lemon garlic mixture while cooking for good results.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, olive oil, and fragrant herbs. It’s baked or grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons mixed dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, to allow flavors to infuse.
Preheat Cooking Equipment: If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the grill. Bake for 20-25 minutes or grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard to the marinade.
Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant taste.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, lemon marinade chicken