Homemade Lemon Garlic Chicken

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner option that will impress your family or friends? Homemade lemon garlic chicken is just what you need! This versatile dish pairs well with various sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and rice. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people.

The main ingredients for this recipe include chicken breasts, butter, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and fresh parsley. Let’s get started with the process of preparing your homemade lemon garlic chicken!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Preheat the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place your chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they are not touching each other too closely to allow even cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Melt the butter and lemon juice. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will add the perfect tangy flavor to your chicken.
2. Mix garlic into melted butter mixture. Add minced garlic along with salt and pepper, and stir until everything is well combined. The fresh thyme can be added at this step if you have it on hand; it adds an extra layer of flavor but isn't necessary for the dish to turn out great.
3. Baste the chicken breasts. Evenly spread the mixture over each piece of chicken, making sure to coat them thoroughly. This will ensure that every bite is full of flavor as you bite into your perfectly cooked chicken breast.

Step 2: Bake the chicken. After preparing all four pieces of chicken with the lemon butter and garlic mixture, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on top when done. To check if it’s ready, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast without touching bone.

Step 3: Rest and serve. Remove your delicious lemon garlic chicken from the oven once fully cooked. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, making each slice juicy and tender. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Ensure that the butter is at room temperature; otherwise, the lemon mixture won’t spread properly over the chicken breasts.
• If you prefer less acidic flavors, reduce the amount of lemon juice used slightly. On the other hand, those who love stronger citrus notes can increase it up to 4 tablespoons if desired.

Healthy Substitutes and Variations

To make this dish healthier or more customized according to your taste preferences, consider these alternatives:

• For a low-carb option, use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly.
• Add more fresh herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or basil depending on what you enjoy most.

Homemade lemon garlic chicken is not only tasty but also relatively easy to prepare. With its appealing aroma and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for any weeknight meal when time and effort are limited yet still want something satisfying. Try this recipe at home today and experience the joy of freshly cooked gourmet dishes right from your kitchen!

Enjoy cooking and happy dining! Remember that the key to a successful dish lies in paying attention to details, such as ensuring even basting during baking for optimal flavor distribution.