Description
Zesty Lemon Chicken emerges as a Mediterranean delight, blending tangy citrus notes with herb-infused chicken. Succulent pieces glow with fresh lemon’s bright personality, promising a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (2.5 lbs or 1.13 kg)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
- 1 lemon, cut into 6 slices (optional)
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring an ideal roasting environment for the chicken.
- Thoroughly blot the chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then carefully position it in a 9×13 inch baking vessel.
- Craft a fragrant seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a harmonious herb-infused coating.
- Massage the herbed oil mixture thoroughly over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Create a vibrant pan sauce by combining white wine, minced garlic, bright lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, additional salt, and a touch of brown sugar in the same mixing bowl.
- Gently cascade the liquid mixture over the seasoned chicken, allowing it to pool around the meat.
- Optionally, arrange thin lemon slices across the chicken for enhanced citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven and roast for an initial 15-minute interval.
- Carefully remove the dish and baste the chicken with the developing pan juices to maintain moisture and intensify flavor.
- Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature precisely reaches 165F, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Once removed, allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is patted completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Experiment with herb substitutions like rosemary or parsley for a personalized twist while maintaining the bright, zesty profile of the dish.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum citrusy punch, avoiding bottled lemon juice which can taste flat and less vibrant.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace brown sugar with a small amount of monk fruit sweetener or simply omit for a more savory result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg