🍋 Lemon-Baked Chicken
A zesty, juicy, one-pan wonder!
Description:
This Lemon-Baked Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Infused with citrus, garlic, and fresh herbs, the chicken bakes until golden and tender, soaking in all the goodness of the lemony marinade. It’s low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and can be on your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 🍗 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
- 🍋 2 lemons (1 thinly sliced, 1 juiced)
- 🧄 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 🌿 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌶️ ½ tsp black pepper
- 🍯 Optional: 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness and caramelization)
🕒 Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C):
- Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs, olive oil (or butter), salt, pepper, and optional honey.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken in the baking dish.
- Rub or brush the marinade over the chicken thoroughly.
- Layer lemon slices over and around the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden.
- Optionally broil for the last 2–3 minutes for crispy skin.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with extra herbs or lemon zest before serving.
- Serve with roasted veggies, salad, or rice.
📝 Notes & Tips:
- Crispier skin tip: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before marinating.
- Short on time? Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but overnight is best.
- Lemon alternatives: Try orange juice/zest for a citrus twist.
- Herb swap: Dried herbs can work—use 1 tsp of each.
- Leftovers: Great in wraps, over salad, or in a grain bowl.
🔍 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 1–2g (more if using honey)
- Sodium: ~550mg
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly based on chicken cut and specific ingredients used.
💪 Health Benefits:
- 🍗 High protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety.
- 🍋 Lemon juice: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- 🧄 Garlic: Contains allicin, which may support immunity and heart health.
- 🌿 Herbs: Anti-inflammatory and flavor-enhancing without added calories.
- 🔥 Baked not fried: Less oil, healthier preparation.
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
A: Yes! Reduce cooking time to ~30–35 minutes, and check for doneness at 165°F.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—marinate the chicken the night before and bake when ready.
Q: What should I serve with this dish?
A: Try with roasted potatoes, quinoa, couscous, steamed greens, or a crisp salad.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Q: Is this dish keto or low-carb?
A: Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs—just skip the honey if you’re strict keto.
🌟 Final Thoughts:
This Lemon-Baked Chicken is an easy, healthy go-to recipe that never disappoints. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining. The lemon, garlic, and herb combo creates a bright, savory flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.