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Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 12 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat cooking appliance: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. 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.
  5. 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