Baked Lemon Herb Chicken: A Flavorful and Healthy Dinner

When you need a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than Baked Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken with the fresh flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet elegant dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests, this recipe requires minimal effort and delivers a delicious, satisfying result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Delicious: Lemon and herbs not only provide incredible flavor but are also a great way to season chicken without relying on heavy sauces or excess oil.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few basic ingredients and simple prep, this recipe comes together quickly.
Versatile: You can serve this chicken with various side dishes, making it a flexible option for any meal.

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or thyme)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. This flavorful mixture will coat the chicken and infuse it with the fresh, bright taste of lemon and herbs.
Marinate the Chicken: Rub the lemon herb mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get the seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor.
Assemble for Baking: Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Add the remaining lemon slices on top and around the chicken. These slices will roast alongside the chicken, releasing even more citrus flavor.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). If you like extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Serve and Garnish: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness.

Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken dry before baking and cooking it at a high temperature helps create that golden, crispy skin that’s so irresistible.
Bone-in Chicken for Flavor: Using bone-in chicken thighs not only adds more flavor but also helps keep the meat juicy during baking. However, you can substitute boneless chicken if preferred.
Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and moist.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome and balanced meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A light grain like rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up the zesty lemon juices.
Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh green salad, tossed with a simple vinaigrette, for a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Variations to Try:

Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts: If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes to avoid drying them out.
Herb Mix: Swap out the rosemary for other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil. A mix of herbs adds even more depth to the flavor.
Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the lemon herb mixture for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Herb Chicken is a healthy and flavorful dish that’s simple to make but impressive enough for guests. The bright citrus from the lemon combined with fragrant herbs creates a delicious, aromatic meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its juicy, tender meat and crispy skin, this chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it pairs well with just about any side dish, making it a versatile go-to dinner option.

Try this recipe for a fresh, zesty, and savory chicken dinner that everyone will love!