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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack in middle and preheat to 200°C / 400°F, ensuring optimal cooking conditions for chicken breasts.
- 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.
- 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.
- Citrus Enhancement: Strategically distribute lemon wedges around chicken pieces to infuse additional citrus notes during roasting.
- 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.
- 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