Introduction

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the savory depth of garlic. It’s a simple, healthy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
2 lemons (juice and zest)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan in a single layer.
Step 4: Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano also work well and can be swapped based on what you have available.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain juiciness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used. They may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent drying out.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

No, marinating for at least 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse flavor, but marinating longer will deepen the taste and tenderness.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 123 reviews

A zesty and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, delivering bright citrus notes combined with aromatic garlic and herbs.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Marinade

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Arrange chicken for baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden on top and juicy inside.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley before serving.
To keep chicken moist, avoid overbaking; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
This recipe works well with bone-in chicken thighs; just increase baking time to about 35-40 minutes.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken, Baked Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Citrus Marinated Chicken