Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken has become a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly balances simplicity with incredible flavor. The aroma alone, as it bakes in the oven, is enough to make everyone’s mouth water. Even my pickiest eater, my youngest, devours this chicken without a fuss, which is always a win in my book! The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this baked lemon garlic herb chicken is always a hit, and I’m excited to share this easy and delicious recipe with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

• Chicken pieces (about 3 lbs): Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts for the best flavor and moisture. You can also use a whole chicken cut into pieces.
• Lemons (2-3): Fresh lemons are key! You’ll need both the zest and juice for maximum lemon flavor.
• Garlic cloves (6-8): Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic kick.
• Fresh herbs (about 3 tablespoons, mixed): A blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, and oregano works wonderfully. Feel free to use your favorite combination.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup): Good quality olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in browning.
• Salt and Black pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Optional: White wine (1/4 cup): Dry white wine adds depth of flavor and helps to deglaze the pan.

How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even cooking and crispy skin.
2. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
3. Make the lemon garlic herb marinade: In a large bowl, combine the zest and juice of 2 lemons, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh herbs, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If using white wine, add it to the marinade now.
4. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring every piece is well covered. For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.
5. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of roasting it. If needed, use two baking dishes.
6. Add lemon slices (optional): Slice the remaining lemon(s) into rounds and place them around and on top of the chicken pieces. This adds extra lemon flavor and looks beautiful when serving.
7. Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
8. Baste the chicken (optional): For extra moisture and flavor, you can baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking. Spoon the juices from the bottom of the pan over the chicken pieces.
9. Broil for crispy skin (optional): For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Move the oven rack closer to the broiler and broil on high, watching carefully until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
10. Rest before serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
11. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges and serve hot.

Nutritional Information for Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 chicken piece (breast or thigh)
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 40-50g

(Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the specific chicken pieces used, portion sizes, and ingredients brands. This is an estimate.)

Preparation and Cook Time for Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (includes preparing the marinade and marinating the chicken).
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes (baking time in the oven, depending on chicken size and oven).
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

This makes it an excellent option for a weeknight meal when you want something flavorful and healthy without spending all evening cooking. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the oven does its magic.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Classic Sides:

• Roasted Potatoes: Toss potatoes with olive oil, herbs, and seasoning, then roast alongside the chicken for a complementary side. Consider adding lemon wedges to the potatoes as well for enhanced flavor.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a comforting and classic pairing with roasted chicken. Incorporate roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy and flavorful rice pilaf, perhaps with herbs or lemon zest, provides a light and satisfying starch to accompany the chicken.
• Quinoa: For a healthier grain option, quinoa cooked with vegetable broth and herbs is a nutritious and delicious choice.

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are a quick and elegant side.
• Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: Broccoli florets, either steamed until tender-crisp or roasted for a slightly caramelized flavor, are a healthy and vibrant green vegetable side.
• Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with butter and toasted almonds add a touch of elegance and texture to the meal.
• Lemon Herb Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a colorful and flavorful side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh and crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Grain Sides:

• Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous, tossed with herbs and lemon zest, is a quick and easy grain side.
• Orzo Pasta: Orzo pasta salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette makes a delightful and slightly heartier side dish.
• Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious pan juices from the chicken. Serve with a side of olive oil for dipping.

Sauces and Condiments:

• Pan Juices: Don’t forget to drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the chicken and sides for extra moisture and flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Extra lemon wedges are always welcome for those who want an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A cool and creamy tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill) can be a refreshing accompaniment, especially if you’ve leaned into Mediterranean herbs.

When choosing your side dishes, consider the overall flavor profile you want to achieve. For a light and bright meal, pair the chicken with fresh vegetable salads and quinoa. For a more comforting and hearty meal, opt for mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf. No matter what you choose, Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is sure to be the star of the plate!

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Every Time

To ensure your Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken turns out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and with beautifully crispy skin every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Skip the Marinade (or Marinate Longer): The marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderizing the meat. While 30 minutes is good, marinating for 2-4 hours (or even overnight in the refrigerator) will yield even more flavorful and juicy results. Just be sure not to marinate for too long in lemon juice, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken’s texture if left for days.
2. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating and baking, make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dry skin is essential for achieving crispy skin when roasting. Excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to brown and crisp.
3. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: For the most flavorful and moist baked chicken, opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces. The bone insulates the meat, helping it stay moist, and the skin renders fat as it cooks, adding flavor and crispness. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding the pan will trap steam, preventing the chicken from browning and crisping up properly. If you need to cook a large quantity of chicken, use two baking dishes or bake in batches.
5. Ensure Chicken is Cooked Through: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
6. Let the Chicken Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the chicken loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
7. Adjust Herbs to Your Preference: The herb combination in this recipe is a suggestion. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, sage, and tarragon all pair well with lemon and garlic. You can also adjust the quantities of each herb to suit your taste.
8. Utilize the Pan Juices: The pan juices created during baking are packed with flavor. Don’t discard them! Drizzle them over the chicken and side dishes for extra moisture and a burst of delicious lemon-garlic-herb flavor. You can also deglaze the pan with a little white wine or chicken broth after removing the chicken to create a simple pan sauce.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfectly baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken that your family and friends will rave about every time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the best Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken:

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they tend to dry out more easily than bone-in, skin-on chicken. To help prevent dryness, reduce the baking time and be sure not to overcook them. Consider brining the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before marinating to help keep them moist.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance in the refrigerator. You can also bake the chicken ahead of time and reheat it. However, freshly baked chicken is always best for optimal texture and flavor. If reheating, do so gently in the oven at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) to prevent drying it out.

Q3: Can I freeze Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken?
A: Yes, cooked Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken can be frozen. Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q4: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs?
A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs for every 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so you need less. Good dried herb options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the baking dish with the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Roasting vegetables alongside the chicken is a great way to make it a complete one-pan meal. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and broccoli work well. Add the vegetables to the baking dish around the chicken during the last 30-40 minutes of baking, depending on the vegetable type and size. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps some extra herbs or garlic.

Q6: How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
A: The most reliable way to know if chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the meat should no longer be pink.

Q7: Can I use different types of chicken pieces?
A: Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Thighs and drumsticks are particularly flavorful and stay moist during baking. Chicken breasts can also be used, but as mentioned earlier, they require careful cooking to prevent drying out. You can also use a whole chicken cut into pieces. Adjust baking time accordingly based on the size and type of chicken pieces you use.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
A: Yes, Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, assuming you use olive oil and not butter, and ensure any side dishes you serve are also gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check the ingredients of any store-bought marinades or seasonings you might use to be absolutely certain.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious and easy Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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