Perfectly Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is a classic dish that has been loved by many for its tangy and savory flavors. This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with various sides such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. If you're looking to add some extra zest to your dinner menu, this lemon garlic chicken can be a fantastic choice. Let’s dive into how you can prepare it at home in just 45 minutes for 4 servings.

The ingredients needed for this recipe are relatively simple and common pantry staples:

• 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced finely
• Zest and juice from 4 lemons
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• Sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting, start preparing the chicken: rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using.

Place your chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spread out so that each piece receives an adequate amount of marinade. Spoon over half of the mixture on top of the chicken. Flip the breasts to coat them completely with the remaining marinade. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

After marinating, remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. It’s important not to open the oven door during the first half of baking time since doing so would cause a drop in temperature which could affect cooking times negatively.

To check if your chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one breast; it should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can use a fork to gently press the center—well-done chicken will release clear juices rather than pink or red liquid. If any pieces are still slightly undercooked, continue baking until they reach the desired temperature.

Once cooked thoroughly, remove your lemon garlic chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicier end result upon consumption. During this time, you can also garnish each piece with a couple of lemon wedges if desired.

Pair your perfectly baked lemon garlic chicken with any side dish that complements its flavors, such as green beans alfredo or roasted Brussels sprouts. For those who prefer to go extra fancy, consider serving it over a bed of fresh arugula salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette.

This recipe offers several benefits beyond just delicious taste: it's relatively quick to prepare, requiring only about 45 minutes from start to finish. Plus, the use of readily available ingredients ensures you can create this meal whenever inspiration strikes without needing exotic or hard-to-find items. Moreover, because of its balanced mix of acidity and richness, it works well both as a main course and in conjunction with other dishes for a more substantial meal.

Experimenting slightly with different marinade proportions—perhaps adding more garlic or lemon zest—can lead to unique variations on this tried-and-true favorite. Whether you're hosting friends over for dinner or simply treating yourself to a home-cooked meal, this recipe provides an easy yet satisfying option that will impress both your taste buds and possibly your guests.

Remember, cooking can be enjoyable when done with confidence. With these straightforward steps, even beginners should feel comfortable attempting this dish in their kitchen. Enjoy every bite!