Ina Garten’s Zesty Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Sizzling and succulent, these Ina Garten lemon chicken breasts dance with bright, zesty flavors that instantly uplift any dinner table.

Mediterranean sunshine meets classic comfort in this effortless dish that brings restaurant-quality meals to your kitchen.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with elegant technique, creating a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Vibrant lemon cuts through rich chicken, creating a balanced and refreshing profile that everyone will love.

Herbs and garlic add depth and complexity to each tender bite.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

You’ll find yourself making this weeknight wonder again and again, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient List for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Olive Oil: Adds rich, smooth base for cooking and helps create golden chicken skin with luxurious sheen.
• Dry White Wine: Brings bright, tangy depth to the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers vibrant citrus notes and aromatic brightness to the entire dish.
• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

• Dried Oregano: Introduces earthy Mediterranean warmth and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Contributes delicate, slightly minty herbal undertones that complement the chicken beautifully.

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, uniform-sized pieces with minimal visible fat for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and helps create perfect seasoning throughout the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complex spiciness that elevates the overall dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Infuse additional citrus essence and provide elegant visual presentation when serving.
• Garlic: Offers deep, aromatic undertones that intensify the savory elements of the recipe.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Baking Dish: 23 x 30 cm / 9 x 12-inch rectangular dish for cooking and serving.
• Small Saucepan: Used to gently warm olive oil and cook garlic without browning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precisely measuring ingredients like wine, lemon juice, and herbs.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting chicken breasts dry before seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing lemon into wedges and zesting.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for the sauce.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing chicken with olive oil.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting lemon and preparing ingredients.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and resting the chicken after baking.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Herbal Awakening

Craft a zesty sauce that will dance with flavor by warming olive oil and infusing it with delicate garlic. Whisk in white wine, bright lemon notes, and aromatic herbs to create a vibrant liquid foundation.

• Chicken Preparation

Select plump, tender chicken breasts and lovingly pat them dry. Nestle the meat into a baking dish, allowing the herbal sauce to embrace each piece. Drizzle with golden olive oil and sprinkle generously with seasoning.

• Citrus Companions

Slice fresh lemons into juicy wedges and tuck them around the chicken, creating little flavor pockets that will infuse the dish with sunshine. The lemon will whisper brightness into every bite.

• Oven Magic

Slide the baking dish into a heated oven and let the transformation begin. The chicken will slowly roast, developing a golden, crispy exterior while staying incredibly juicy inside. Listen for the sizzle and watch for the perfect amber color.

• Resting and Serving

Once the chicken reaches perfect doneness, let it rest under a cozy foil blanket. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent. Drizzle with pan juices and serve immediately, letting the herbs and citrus sing.

How to Add Zing to Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a richer, more tender result that absorbs flavors more deeply.
• Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary or basil to create a more vibrant and aromatic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a warming kick that complements the bright lemon notes.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce mixture for 2-4 hours before baking to intensify the lemony flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Replace chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Best Ways to Serve Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the chicken to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or golden potato wedges to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the lemony chicken.
• Create a Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, and warm pita bread to transform the dish into a vibrant Mediterranean-style feast that celebrates bright, bold flavors.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and herb notes, turning a simple chicken dinner into an elegant dining experience.

Storage Guide for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Slice cooled chicken and freeze in flat, sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken gently in the oven at 160°C / 325°F to maintain moisture. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, heating until internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken breasts in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls for effortless, delicious meals throughout the week.

Succulent Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon chicken breasts from Ina Garten blend Mediterranean herbs with zesty citrus notes. Simple ingredients create a delightful main course that will satisfy your dinner cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 oz/170 to 226 g each)
• 3 tbsps minced garlic (9 cloves)
• 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) good olive oil
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) dry white wine
• 1 ½ tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in middle and preheat to 200°C / 400°F, ensuring optimal cooking conditions for chicken breasts.
2. Sauce Creation: Warm olive oil in saucepan over medium-low heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat and blend with white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and kosher salt to develop a complex flavor profile.
3. Dish Assembly: Pour sauce mixture into 23 x 30 cm baking dish, creating an aromatic cooking foundation. Pat chicken breasts dry, then arrange skin-side up in the dish. Brush with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Citrus Enhancement: Strategically distribute lemon wedges around chicken pieces to infuse additional citrus notes during roasting.
5. Roasting Process: Transfer dish to preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes. Monitor chicken until skin turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F. For deeper caramelization, activate broiler for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Resting and Serving: Cover dish with aluminum foil and let chicken rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Plate the chicken, drizzle with pan juices, and finish with a light sprinkle of salt if desired.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat breasts completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown, crispy skin that seals in juicy flavors.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 74°C / 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Resting is Crucial: Let chicken rest 10 minutes after cooking to allow internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing tender, succulent results.
• Broiler Boost: Optional 2-minute broil can elevate skin’s color and crispiness, transforming good chicken into restaurant-quality presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg