The blog post shares a yummy and easy recipe for lemon chicken.
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Here’s my favorite recipe for lemon chicken, a real crowd-pleaser in our household. The only exception? My husband. He’s got this funny idea that fruit and meat don’t belong together. Despite my best efforts over 23 years, he just won’t budge on this one.
But for everyone else who loves a zesty twist to their poultry, this recipe for lemon chicken is a taste sensation. Imagine juicy, tender chicken that has a golden touch and the zesty tang of fresh lemon. Each bite mingles the warmth of the chicken with the bright notes of citrus, creating a delightful flavor contrast. Extras like fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp steamed vegetables round out this hearty but lively meal. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for bringing a bit of zing to your dinner table on those busy weeknights.
Mama’s Recipe for Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 pieces)
- 2 lemons
- Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Chicken broth or water (½ cup)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe Cooking Instructions for Lemon Chicken:
- Prep Your Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, grab your chicken. Pat it dry with paper towels; this helps the skin get nice and crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Flavor Infusion: In a bowl, mix the juice of one lemon, olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano. This mixture is going to give your chicken a delicious lemony kick.
- Cooking Time: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your chicken. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes until they’re golden brown. Remember, we’re not cooking it all the way through just yet.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour your lemon-olive oil mixture over the chicken. Then, slice the remaining lemon and tuck the slices around the chicken. Pour the chicken broth or water into the dish (this keeps everything juicy).
- Oven Magic: Pop your dish into the oven for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Final Touch: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This is a good time to call everyone to the table. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and you’re all set to serve!
A Few Tips About Your Recipe:
- Chicken Choice: You can use either breasts or thighs. Thighs are usually juicier, but breasts work great if that’s what you prefer.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish goes really well with a simple salad, some steamed veggies, or even a side of mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers? If you have leftovers, they make for a great salad topping the next day.
Mama’s Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the juice of one lemon, olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon-olive oil mixture over the chicken.
- Slice the remaining lemon and place the slices around the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth or water to the dish.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Final Thoughts
I love this recipe for lemon chicken because it’s not just easy to make, but also healthy and flavorful. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table without much fuss. I hope you and your family enjoy this lemon chicken as much as we do.
