How to Make Delicious Lemon Chicken

Looking for a quick yet delicious recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes and serves up to four people? Look no further than our simple lemon chicken. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also rich with flavor, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Before diving into the detailed steps of this recipe, let’s break down what you’ll need and how long it will take:

• Cooking time: approximately 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

To create a succulent lemon chicken dish, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (4 large)
• 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnishing (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

The preparation process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, mix half of the lemon juice with 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish, pour the marinade over them, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight if possible.
2. Mix the lemon butter. In a separate bowl, mix together softened butter along with finely grated zest from another half of a lemon. You can also add about 1 teaspoon garlic powder here to enhance the flavor further.
3. Cooking the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for around five minutes. Remove the marinade from the chicken before placing it in a baking dish. Spread the lemon butter mixture over each breast.
4. Bake until cooked through. Place your chicken into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until an internal thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Check every ten minutes to ensure it doesn’t get overcooked. The lemon butter should have formed a crust around each chicken breast, providing delightful flavor.
5. Garnish and serve. Once cooked thoroughly, remove from the oven, let rest for two to three minutes before slicing into thin pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired; this adds color while enhancing the overall presentation of your meal. Serve immediately!

Tips & Variations

Looking for ways to make lemon chicken even more special? Here are some tips and variations:

• Add herbs. For extra flavor, mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter before spreading it over the chicken breasts. This adds a fresh herbaceous touch that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon zest.
• Vary the sauce. Instead of just plain melted butter, you could experiment by adding heavy cream for a creamier sauce, or substitute some of the butter for olive oil to give it a Mediterranean twist. You can also drizzle a little honey on top right before serving if you prefer sweeter lemon chicken.
• Serve with sides. Pair your lemon chicken with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf. For a healthier option, serve with a side salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice to complement the flavors of the main dish.

Conclusion

Lemon chicken is an incredibly versatile and tasty meal that can be made quickly yet impressively for family gatherings or casual dinners. By following these simple steps, you'll enjoy a richly flavored, tender, and juicy chicken breast every time. With its versatility in serving sizes and cooking times, this dish is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!