Tangy Barefoot Contessa’s Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe for Beginners

Tender, juicy chicken breasts drenched in a zesty Barefoot Contessa lemon chicken breasts recipe sparkle with Mediterranean charm.

The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal that’s both elegant and simple.

Bright citrus notes mingle with fragrant herbs, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly in this classic dish.

Marinating the chicken unlocks incredible depth and tenderness.

The recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen.

Dive into this mouthwatering culinary adventure that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Zesty Tips & Bright Variations for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Swap boneless chicken thighs for a richer, more tender meat option that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Replace dried oregano and thyme with fresh herbs from your garden for an intense, bright flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum deliciousness.
• Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the white wine, to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Save lemon zest and juice from other recipes to create a versatile marinade that reduces food waste and maximizes flavor potential.

Plating Up Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Elevate Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange chicken breasts on a clean white platter, drizzling the aromatic pan juices over the top for a restaurant-quality look.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the bright lemon flavors and create a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the zesty citrus notes of the chicken and create a delightful dining experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or oregano over the chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and additional layer of flavor.

Planning Ahead for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm chicken gently in the oven at 160°C for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out, avoiding microwave which can make meat tough.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to keep for up to 2 months, perfect for future quick meals.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice cold chicken and add to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls for effortless lunch solutions throughout the week, transforming leftovers into exciting new dishes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent protein centerpiece that absorbs the zesty marinade beautifully, choose organic or free-range for best flavor and texture.
• Lemons: Bright citrus star providing tangy freshness and tenderizing properties, select firm, glossy lemons with vibrant yellow color.

• Garlic: Flavor-packed foundation that adds depth and warmth, opt for fresh cloves with firm, plump appearance.
• White Wine: Sophisticated liquid that tenderizes and adds complex undertones, choose a dry, crisp wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Oregano: Herbaceous Mediterranean herb bringing earthy notes, use fresh or high-quality dried variety for maximum aroma.
• Thyme: Delicate herb contributing subtle earthy-minty essence, select fresh sprigs with rich green color.

• Olive Oil: Silky cooking medium that promotes golden browning, select extra virgin for superior flavor and health benefits.
• Salt: Essential mineral enhancing overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for superior crystal structure.
• Black Pepper: Warming spice adding gentle heat, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor profile.

Cookware Needed for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Large baking dish (23 × 30 cm): Perfect for roasting the chicken and catching all those delicious pan juices.
• Small saucepan: Essential for heating olive oil and creating the flavorful sauce.
• Paper towels: Needed to pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
• Grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
• Pastry brush: Great for evenly coating chicken with olive oil.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting lemon into wedges and preparing ingredients.
• Aluminium foil: Used to cover the dish while chicken rests, keeping it moist.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise salt and herb measurements.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts

• Kitchen Preparation

Create a welcoming cooking space with clean surfaces and all necessary cooking tools nearby.

• Flavor Foundation

Craft a zesty marinade by combining white wine, fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and bright citrus elements in a saucepan, gently warming to release rich flavors.

• Chicken Selection

Choose tender, high-quality chicken breasts, patting them completely dry to ensure perfect seasoning and crispy exterior.

• Seasoning Magic

Generously coat chicken with olive oil, sprinkling with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, allowing each piece to be a flavor canvas.

• Baking Technique

Arrange chicken in a beautiful baking dish, nestling fresh lemon wedges around the pieces to infuse subtle citrus notes during roasting.

• Oven Transformation

Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F, watching the chicken turn golden and absorb the fragrant herb-wine sauce, creating a mouthwatering aroma.

• Resting Moment

After baking, cover the dish and let the chicken rest, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring each bite remains incredibly succulent.

Zesty Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon chicken breasts elevate home cooking with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs promises a delightful meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (170–225g or 6–8 oz each)
• 3 tbsps minced garlic (9 cloves)
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1½ tsps dried oregano
• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 lemon
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) good olive oil
• 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) dry white wine
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Aromatic Base: Gently warm olive oil in a saucepan, introduce minced garlic, and briefly sauté without browning. Remove from heat and blend with white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and salt to create a vibrant marinade.
3. Dish Assembly: Pour the herbal liquid into a baking dish, arranging lemon wedges strategically. Pat chicken breasts dry and position skin-side up, brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper.
4. Roasting Phase: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, roasting for 30-40 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and skin turns golden-brown. Optional: Use the grill for an additional two minutes to enhance caramelization.
5. Resting and Serving: Tent the dish with aluminum foil, allowing chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Plate immediately, drizzling pan juices over each piece to maximize flavor and ensure succulent texture.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
• Garlic Caution: Cook garlic gently over medium-low heat for exactly 60 seconds to prevent burning and bitter flavor.
• Resting is Crucial: Cover the dish with foil and let chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
• Browning Technique: Use the grill for 2 minutes if you want a more caramelized, golden-brown chicken skin for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg