Zesty Lemon Chicken Prep Time Includes Marinating
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Zesty Lemon Chicken recipe, a perfect balance of vibrant citrus flavor and savory herbs. This dish features tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic oregano, ensuring every bite bursts with mouthwatering zest. The marinade time—ideally 2-4 hours—infuses maximum flavor, but even a quick 30 minutes will yield delicious results. After a quick skillet sear for a golden crust, the chicken finishes roasting in the oven, keeping it juicy and full of flavor. A drizzle of optional chicken broth adds extra moisture, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Simple yet sophisticated, this oven-baked lemon chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad, making it a versatile main course that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 whole lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup chicken broth (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Juice both lemons into a medium-sized mixing bowl, taking care to remove all seeds, and zest one of the lemons.
Step 2
Add the olive oil, minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the bowl. Whisk well to combine.
Step 3
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate. For maximum flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours.
Step 5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and sear each side for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Step 7
If desired, pour 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze it and keep the chicken moist during roasting.
Step 8
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 9
Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Step 10
Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (941.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1577.8 |
| Total Fat 67.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 572.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3093.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 16.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.1g | |
| Protein 216.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 143.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 305.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories