What To Know
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Add a variety of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, to the marinade for a more complex flavor.
- Simply place the marinated chicken pieces in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Are you craving a flavorful and zesty dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this oven-baked lemon chicken recipe. With its perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through the cooking time to keep it moist.
4. Make the Lemon Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the lemon sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley.
- Serve the lemon chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides.
Tips for a Perfect Lemon Chicken
- Use a whole chicken: Cutting the chicken into 8 pieces ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps infuse it with flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Roast the chicken at a high temperature: This will help create a crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Baste the chicken halfway through cooking: This will keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Make a flavorful lemon sauce: The lemon sauce adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the chicken.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice are all great options.
Variations on the Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lemon Chicken: Add minced garlic to the marinade for a more garlicky flavor.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a variety of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, to the marinade for a more complex flavor.
- Lemon Butter Chicken: Instead of making a lemon sauce, simply brush the chicken with melted butter and lemon juice before baking.
Storing and Reheating Lemon Chicken
- Storing: Leftover lemon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so be sure to marinate them for at least 30 minutes and baste them with the marinade halfway through cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Simply place the marinated chicken pieces in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What are some good sides to serve with lemon chicken?
A: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, and pasta are all great options. You can also serve the chicken with a simple green salad.
