Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe: A Zesty, Flavorful Dish
This baked lemon chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's packed with flavor, juicy, and incredibly easy to make. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces OR 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or breasts
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional): Rosemary, parsley, or thyme sprigs
Instructions for Baked Lemon Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
Step 2: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in a mixture of the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Tuck lemon slices under and around the chicken. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious baked lemon chicken!
Tips for the Perfect Baked Lemon Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Make sure the chicken pieces have enough space to brown properly.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This results in more flavorful and juicy chicken.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Toss some chopped potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them alongside the chicken.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram.
- Citrus variations: Substitute orange or grapefruit for the lemon.
- Spicy chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
This baked lemon chicken recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! #bakedlemonchicken #chickendinner #easyrecipe #homecooking #delicious
