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.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Juice both lemons into a medium-sized mixing bowl, taking care to remove all seeds, and zest one of the lemons.
Add the olive oil, minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the bowl. Whisk well to combine.
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.
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.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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.
If desired, pour 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze it and keep the chicken moist during roasting.
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).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.4 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 3093 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 216.5 g | 433% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 144 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 305 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
