Oven-baked lemon chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s a recipe to help you make a delicious lemon chicken in the oven:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 lemons (one for juice, one for slices)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix the juice of one lemon, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the mixture until well combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Slice the second lemon into thin rounds.
- Arrange the lemon slices on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Bake the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Broil for a Golden Finish (Optional)
- If desired, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to give it a golden, slightly crispy top.
7. Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your oven-baked lemon chicken, a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors!
