What To Know
- Serve the lemon chicken with a side of roasted lemon wedges for a pop of freshness.
- Double the amount of garlic in the marinade and add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the lemon sauce for a garlicky kick.
- Our lemon chicken recipe in the oven is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Are you looking for a delightful and tantalizing dish that will brighten up your dinner table? Look no further than our oven-baked lemon chicken recipe. This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken infused with a vibrant lemon flavor, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Create the Lemon Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and coat them thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on all sides.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken pieces to a baking dish.
- 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).
6. Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for searing the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until a thick sauce is formed.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour the lemon sauce over the baked chicken pieces.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Tips for a Perfect Lemon Chicken
- For extra crispy chicken, use a combination of olive oil and butter for searing.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard to suit your taste preferences.
- For a tangy twist, add a tablespoon of capers to the lemon sauce.
- Serve the lemon chicken with a side of roasted lemon wedges for a pop of freshness.
Variations of Lemon Chicken
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a variety of fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, and marjoram, to the marinade for a fragrant and flavorful dish.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken: Double the amount of garlic in the marinade and add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the lemon sauce for a garlicky kick.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken pieces before baking for a cheesy and golden crust.
- Lemon Butter Chicken: Instead of making a lemon sauce, simply brush the chicken with melted butter and lemon juice before baking.
Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken
- Lemon chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps protect against infections.
- Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a natural immune booster.
- Olive oil contains healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
“Wrap-Up”
Our lemon chicken recipe in the oven is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant lemon flavor, tender chicken, and crispy crust, this recipe is a true culinary delight. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. Happy cooking!
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist, but breasts are leaner.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
Q: Can I make the lemon sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it over medium heat before serving.
