Description
A juicy and flavorful Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and aromatic garlic mixture, baked to perfection for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well. Place them in a baking dish that fits snugly.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade: In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well mixed to create a bright, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. For best flavor, let it marinate at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; monitor the internal temperature.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking for maximum tenderness.
- Choose chicken pieces of similar size for even cooking.
- Baste the chicken once halfway through baking to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: baked lemon garlic chicken, lemon chicken, garlic chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten free chicken