Zesty Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 large lemons - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want more fat and flavor. Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can replace thyme. If you want less oil, you can use vegetable broth for marinating. For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the mix. Choose chicken that feels firm and has no bad smell. Look for lemons with bright yellow skin; they should feel heavy for their size. Fresh garlic should be firm and dry, not sprouted. Thyme should be vibrant green and fragrant. Always check the expiration dates on packaged items. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice and zest of 2 large lemons, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon if you use dried thyme. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk this mixture well until it blends together nicely. Now, take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and add them to the bowl. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. For best flavor, let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. The longer, the better! After marinating, arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Lay them in a single layer for even cooking. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken. To add flavor and a nice look, lay lemon slices on top. Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the chicken breasts. You want to ensure the chicken cooks through while keeping it juicy and tender. The safest way to check if your chicken is done is with a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white and the juices should run clear, not pink. Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices. Enjoy your flavorful lemon baked chicken! To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken. Use the lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate up to 2 hours. This will help the chicken absorb all the tasty notes from the marinade. Use a few simple tools for this recipe. You will need a large mixing bowl for the marinade. A whisk helps blend the ingredients well. A baking dish holds the chicken while it bakes. A meat thermometer checks the chicken’s doneness. These tools make cooking easy and fun. After baking, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Serve it with fresh lemon slices and thyme for a nice look. Pair the chicken with rice or a salad. This adds color and crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal with friends or family! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the herbs and lemon to penetrate the meat deeply. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Leftover Magic: This baked chicken is excellent in salads, wraps, or sandwiches the next day, making it a versatile meal prep option. Garnish for Appeal: Fresh herbs and lemon slices not only enhance the flavor but also make for a visually appealing presentation, perfect for entertaining. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up this lemon baked chicken. Try adding different herbs. Basil and rosemary work well. You can mix lemon zest with parsley for a fresh touch. Consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay juicy and flavorful. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to your marinade. This adds heat without losing the lemony taste. Lemon baked chicken pairs well with many sides. Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli add color and nutrients. Creamy mashed potatoes balance the flavors nicely. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps it light. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Don't forget crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices! Using a slow cooker makes this recipe even easier. Start by mixing the marinade in a bowl. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Set the cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you're in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. You can add vegetables like potatoes or carrots during the last hour. This way, you get a complete meal with no extra effort. I love saving leftover Lemon Baked Chicken. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you want to enjoy your leftover chicken, reheating is easy. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, put the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 1-2 minutes. Check that it is warm throughout. Freezing Lemon Baked Chicken is a smart way to prep meals ahead. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Thighs have more fat than breasts. This extra fat adds flavor. Adjust the cooking time if they are larger. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Marinating for longer gives more flavor. Just remember to keep it in the fridge if you go over 30 minutes. Lemon baked chicken pairs well with many sides. Try steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. Mashed potatoes also make a great choice. You can even serve it with crusty bread. Fresh herbs are not a must but are better. They add bright flavors to the dish. If you don't have them, dried herbs work too. Just use less of the dried herbs. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients listed are safe. Just check any added sauces or sides for gluten. Enjoy this dish without worry! This post covered the best ingredients for lemon baked chicken. We looked at fresh options and tips for selection. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and how to ensure perfect doneness. I shared tricks to enhance flavor and suggestions for serving. We explored tasty variations and useful storage tips. In closing, lemon baked chicken is simple but full of flavor. With these tips, you can make a delightful meal every time. Enjoy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken

A flavorful baked chicken dish marinated with lemon, garlic, and thyme.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup olive oil
2 large lemons (juice and zest)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt
to taste pepper
as needed lemon slices (for garnish)
as needed fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts into the bowl and ensure they are all well-coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor).
Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top.
Lay lemon slices on top of the chicken for added flavor and visual appeal.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Keyword baked, chicken, easy, lemon, thyme