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Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken
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Enjoy a flavorful and juicy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and savory garlic sauce. This easy-to-make baked dish combines fresh citrus, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic for a healthy, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined. This vibrant marinade forms the flavorful foundation for your chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or sealable bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure each chicken piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply — for best results, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. Preheat the Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a nicely browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, then pour any remaining marinade over them. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite deliciously moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest give a far brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Don’t skip marinating: Even a short marination time makes a huge difference in the tenderness and taste of the chicken.
  • Beat the heat evenly: Arrange chicken breasts spaced slightly apart to allow hot air to circulate for uniform cooking.
  • Check doneness carefully: Use a meat thermometer for perfect results to avoid overcooking and drying out.
  • Add lemon slices on top: Baking lemon slices with the chicken infuses extra aroma and looks beautiful when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked lemon garlic chicken, lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/baked-lemon-garlic-chicken/