Lemon Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Dish for Every Occasion

Welcome to a delicious journey with this Lemon Chicken recipe, a perfect fit for your comfort food cravings. This dish combines juicy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce, creating a flavor profile that is both refreshing and heartwarming. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with each bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This Lemon Chicken recipe stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for its effortless preparation. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. The balance of citrus and savory flavors offers a unique twist that elevates a classic chicken dish. Additionally, it’s a great source of protein, making it a healthy choice for your family.

How to Make Lemon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this Lemon Chicken dish is a simple process. Follow the easy steps below to master this delightful recipe.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade. If grilling, cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Serve: Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken, if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken

Serve this delicious Lemon Chicken with your choice of sides. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. For an added zing, drizzle some extra lemon juice over the top just before serving.

How to Store Lemon Chicken

To keep your leftover Lemon Chicken fresh, allow it to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Lemon Chicken

Marination Time: For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight.
Cook Evenly: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.

Variations

Herb Additions: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a unique twist.
Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative; they will add extra juiciness to the dish.

2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a helpful tool.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it just before serving for maximum flavor and convenience.

Enjoy your delightful Lemon Chicken! With this simple recipe, you’ll have a delicious dish perfect for any occasion.

Lemon Chicken

A delicious Lemon Chicken recipe that combines juicy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for comfort food cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

Preparation

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cooking

Remove the chicken from the marinade. If grilling, cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serving

Slice the chicken, if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To keep leftovers fresh, allow chicken to cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Tips: Marinate overnight for the best flavor. Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.

Keyword chicken recipe, comfort food, easy chicken dinner, Grilled Chicken, Lemon Chicken