Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is a classic dish that has stood the test of time with its delicious flavor and versatility. It's not just a simple meal; it's a dish that can be prepared for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special Sunday lunch. This recipe focuses on simplicity while ensuring every bite is bursting with fresh lemon zest and garlicky goodness.

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. By adding these simple yet powerful flavors, you can create a meal that's as satisfying as it is nutritious. Here’s how you make it:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon zest; 3 tablespoons juice)
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set this mixture aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Season each chicken breast with salt on both sides.
Pour half of the lemon garlic mixture into a shallow dish or pan. Place three chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated on all sides. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
Transfer the remaining chicken to another plate and repeat the process with the second batch (if you have more than two chickens).
Bake the chicken for approximately 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking Time

The total cooking time is around 25 to 30 minutes, including preparation and baking.

Servings

This recipe serves four people. Each chicken breast should yield approximately 8-ounces (about 1 cup) of cooked meat per person.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side like steamed broccoli, quinoa salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta for a heartier meal. For a more substantial option, consider adding some sautéed spinach on the side.

Why Choose Lemon Garlic Chicken?

Lemon garlic chicken offers an easy yet flavorful solution when you're looking to impress without going through extensive preparation efforts. It's versatile enough to be adapted for different dietary preferences such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and ensuring that the marinade is free from any flour-based thickening agents.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture: If you find your chicken getting dry, consider adding a splash more lemon juice during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Cooking sous vide: For perfectly moist and tender chicken, try cooking it in a vacuum-sealed bag with the marinade at 145°F (63°C) for about two hours. Then finish by searing it in olive oil to achieve that golden-brown crust.
Varying spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in place of garlic and lemon zest as per your preference.

Potential for Future Use

This dish works well when leftovers are repurposed into chicken salad sandwiches the next day. You can also chop it up and add to wraps or even use it to top a mixed green salad with croutons, feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic chicken is more than just another dish; it’s an essential part of your culinary repertoire. With its rich flavor profile and ease of preparation, this recipe caters to beginners while still providing seasoned chefs with opportunities for creative adjustments. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening in, lemon garlic chicken remains a go-to choice.