Introduction

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. The bright lemon and savory garlic combine to create a juicy and tender chicken that will please any palate.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 lemons (juice and zest)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or baking sheet. Discard the leftover marinade.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side on the grill, or bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
Try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
The marinade can also be used as a sauce; gently heat it in a pan and drizzle over the cooked chicken.

Storage

Store leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper marinade absorption.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add fresh garlic and lemon juice just before marinating the chicken for the best flavor.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 776 reviews

This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a zesty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The marinated chicken is then baked or grilled to perfection, creating a juicy and aromatic meal that’s perfect for a healthy dinner.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for best flavor penetration.
Preheat cooking appliance: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken: For baking, place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For grilling, place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Serve the lemon garlic chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad.

Notes

Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
You can substitute fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for dried oregano and thyme if preferred.
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer for the safest and juiciest results.
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic to the marinade.

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken, garlic marinated chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner