Simple Lemon Chicken: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor? Try this easy lemon chicken! This versatile dish can be enjoyed by the whole family and makes an excellent sidekick to your favorite vegetables or as the star of its own plate. Prepare it in about 30 minutes, and you’ll have enough servings for four people. This recipe is not only tasty but also incredibly simple to make.

To start preparing this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons (one for juicing and one for slicing)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Cut four lemon slices and set them aside for garnishing later on. Then, cut one lemon into juice; you will need approximately three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Next, place your chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Generously drizzle each piece of chicken with olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle minced garlic over the seasoned chicken as well. Once done seasoning, you can also sprinkle some dried oregano or fresh parsley for extra flavor.

After you have seasoned your chicken breasts, place one lemon slice on top of each breast and press gently into the flesh. This will infuse the chicken with a delightful citrusy taste. After arranging everything properly, place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While your chicken is baking, take this time to enjoy a refreshing drink and perhaps start thinking about how you will present it on the plate. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using an oven mitt to protect yourself from any heat that might remain on the tray or within the chicken.

Once your lemon chicken has finished cooking, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making every bite more tender and flavorful.

To serve, plate the lemon chicken and garnish each piece with additional lemon slices if desired. You can also pair this dish with your choice of sides such as steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

This simple yet amazing recipe is perfect for those days when you want something quick but still delicious. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and the refreshing lemon flavor makes this dish an absolute hit. It's also versatile enough to be adapted into various styles based on your preferences or what ingredients you have available.

If you’re looking for ways to vary this basic recipe, consider experimenting with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of oregano. You could also add a bit of honey to sweeten up the lemony tang slightly or introduce some heat by adding red pepper flakes for those who love their meals spicy.

Another variation might involve substituting the chicken breasts with pieces of bone-in chicken thighs or even shrimp, making this recipe adaptable depending on what you're in the mood for. If you want to take it up a notch, try making lemon chicken salad by mixing the cooked and cooled chicken with a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing like Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise.

Remember that cooking time can slightly differ based on your oven or type of baking sheet used. Always check the internal temperature to ensure thorough cooking; an instant-read thermometer is incredibly useful for this purpose. Serve hot and enjoy!