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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F for optimal roasting conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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