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To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 lemons (both zested and juiced) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The lemon and garlic shine in this recipe, giving the chicken a fresh taste. You can elevate your dish with some fun extras. Consider these: - Lemon wedges for serving - A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - Roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad - A side of rice or quinoa These garnishes add color and flavor. They also make your meal look beautiful on the plate. If you don't have something on hand, no worries! Here are some swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. - Try using lime juice instead of lemon for a twist. - Swap dried thyme and oregano with fresh herbs if you prefer. These substitutions keep the spirit of the dish while allowing for personal touches. You can still enjoy a delicious lemon garlic chicken with what you have! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures a hot oven for baking the chicken. While the oven heats, take your chicken breasts and check for any excess fat. Trim it off for a clean look. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. This will help with marinating later. In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, mix in the dried thyme and oregano. Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. This marinade gives the chicken its strong flavor. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even better flavor. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Lightly grease a baking dish and place the chicken inside. Spread the pieces apart for even cooking. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reached 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be fully cooked, with no pink inside. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Slice the chicken and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken! For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. Marinating is key to making your lemon garlic chicken shine. Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to make sure the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly to keep the flavors in. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but two hours is better. This longer time allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Always refrigerate the chicken while marinating. Remember, the acid from the lemon helps tenderize the meat. To cook chicken perfectly, keep an eye on the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. There should be no pink inside. Make sure to space the chicken pieces apart in the baking dish. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Rest the chicken for five minutes after baking to keep it juicy. Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding fresh herbs like basil or rosemary. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a twist, add a splash of soy sauce or honey. These will give your chicken a unique taste. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination. Just remember to keep the balance so the lemon and garlic still shine through. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. {{image_4}} You can cook lemon garlic chicken in different ways. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. To grill, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Check the inside to make sure it reaches 165°F. Pan-searing is another great option. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice golden crust. You can boost the flavor of your lemon garlic chicken. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. They pair well with garlic and lemon. You can also use spices like paprika or cumin. These add warmth and depth to the dish. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite combo. When serving lemon garlic chicken, think of what goes well. Roasted veggies make a great side. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. For sauces, a light lemon vinaigrette works well. It adds a bit of zing. You can also drizzle a creamy sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. For the full recipe and more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To keep your lemon garlic chicken fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This method helps keep the flavors intact and the chicken moist. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you're short on time. Just heat in short bursts, checking to avoid drying it out. If you have extra chicken, you can freeze it for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime with these simple storage methods! Lemon garlic chicken is a simple dish with big flavors. Many people love it for its fresh taste and ease of cooking. You can serve it for family dinners or special occasions. The bright lemon and garlic give the chicken a zesty kick. Plus, it pairs well with many sides, making it a versatile choice. You can marinate chicken for as little as 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in. For more flavor, I suggest marinating for up to 2 hours. If you have more time, you can even marinate overnight. Just remember, don’t go over 24 hours. The chicken can become too salty or mushy. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe! Bone-in chicken adds great flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces usually take longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. This will give you juicy, tasty chicken with that lemon garlic flavor. For the full recipe, check the details above. This post covered everything you need for simple lemon garlic chicken. We talked about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. I also shared variations and storage tips to help you enjoy this dish over time. With the right marinade and cooking method, you can create a tasty meal. Try different herbs and sides to keep it fresh. Enjoy making and sharing this recipe!

Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Delight that elevates your dinner game! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a fragrant marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs for a flavor explosion. Perfect for any night, this dish not only looks stunning on your plate but is also simple to prepare.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 lemons (both zested and juiced)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This fragrant mixture will serve as the marinade for your chicken.

      Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse; for an even more pronounced flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

        Once the marination time is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Transfer the marinated chicken breasts into a lightly greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

          Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked with no pink remaining in the center.

            After baking, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period will help the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken when sliced.

              Finally, slice the chicken and serve it hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the top before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Create an appealing plate by serving the chicken alongside a vibrant mix of roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad. Arrange lemon wedges around the chicken for a pop of color and a fresh, inviting touch!