Spring Lemon and Herb Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Spring Lemon and Herb Chicken is a burst of freshness and flavor, perfect for those warm, sunny days. It's light yet satisfying, with citrus and herbal notes that make it a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Spring Lemon and Herb Chicken

The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken breasts. They’re a lean protein that absorbs flavors well. The lemon juice not only adds a zesty kick but also helps tenderize the chicken. A bit of olive oil keeps the chicken moist while cooking. Honey balances the tartness of the lemon and adds a hint of sweetness. Garlic gives depth to the marinade, while the trio of herbs — rosemary, thyme, and parsley — bring an earthy freshness. Last but not least, a touch of salt and pepper brings out all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra punch, zest one of the lemons before juicing and add the zest to the marinade.
  • If you're short on time, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. A quick pound with a rolling pin can help with that.

Serving Suggestions

This dish goes beautifully with a light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted asparagus or a side of quinoa with chopped herbs. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken takes a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Just use a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Spring Lemon and Herb Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. This combination is the base of your marinade, and it smells so good right off the bat. Once that's mixed, add in the chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it another good stir to make sure everything is well combined.

Now, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and give it a little massage to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Pop the bag in the fridge for at least an hour. If you have more time, even better! The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it in a baking dish. Discard the marinade since it's done its job. Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a good 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing lemon flavor that's perfect for spring.
  • Simple, fresh herbs that elevate the dish without overpowering it.
  • Quick and easy marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste.
  • Minimal prep time, making it great for weeknight dinners.
  • Healthy and wholesome, yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 lemons, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic to create a marinade.
2. Add chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the marinade and mix well.
3. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish, discarding the marinade.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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