Delicious Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Recipe
Gather around, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I present to you one of my all-time favorite chicken recipes: Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken. This dish will awaken your taste buds with its glorious flavors and leave you feeling satisfied, yet craving for more. The combination of lemon, rosemary, and garlic elevates the taste of tender chicken breasts to levels that are beyond compare. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed with this culinary masterpiece.
Perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also immensely rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a dish that will make everyone think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day long.
So if you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings, look no further than Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more – trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all foodies and home cooks! You are not going to want to miss this delicious baked lemon rosemary chicken recipe. This mouthwatering dish will be the star of your next dinner party, or a tasty weeknight family meal.
What’s not to love about tender and juicy chicken breasts seasoned perfectly with dried rosemary, fresh garlic cloves and kosher salt? But wait, it gets even better – we add a touch of tangy and zesty lemon juice that totally elevates the flavors.
This dish is incredibly easy to make, but looks like it came straight out of a gourmet restaurant kitchen. The presentation is stunning, with roasted lemon slices around the chicken that add both flavor and beauty. Everyone will be impressed when you place this stunning and aromatic meat on the table in front of them.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s super versatile. You can substitute the veggies to whatever you have in your fridge or garden – onion, red bell pepper, or zucchini are great options. Or, try variations with chicken legs or thighs as an alternative to using chicken breasts. These variations make this dish perfect for any season – summer or winter.
Another great benefit is that leftovers can be used to create completely new dishes, such as delicious salads or sandwiches for lunch the next day. Plus, you can easily double or triple the recipe for those big family gatherings and events.
So what are you waiting for? Give this amazing baked lemon rosemary chicken recipe a try today and discover for yourself why it’s bound to become your go-to dish!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to get started:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1.5 pounds total)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- Chopped fresh rosemary for garnish.
Make sure to get fresh garlic cloves, a large white or yellow onion, and ripe zucchini and red bell pepper. You can also add some potatoes to the baking dish to roast alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Additionally, make sure you have some fresh rosemary for that tasty aroma and flavor. Ensure that all ingredients are available before you start cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Pat dry the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds total) with a paper towel.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Rub around 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 2 teaspoons dried rosemary over the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Add lemon and onion
– Chop 1 medium onion in half, then place each half on a baking sheet or baking dish along with the seasoned chicken breasts.
– Slice 1 lemon into thin rounds, then place several slices around and underneath each piece of chicken.
Step 3: Bake the chicken
– Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for around 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches up to at least 165°F (74°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
Step 4: Prepare garlic lemon roasted vegetables
– While waiting for the chicken to cook, prepare vegetables by cutting in bite-sized chunks.
– You can use any veggies you like, but I recommend tossing together some sliced zucchini, diced red bell peppers, and roughly chopped fresh rosemary in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic cloves, juice from a lemon and some salt and pepper.
Step 5: Roast them all together
– When there are about 10 minutes remaining for chicken bake, add vegetables into baking dish with chicken.
– Spread them around so they are not overlapping each other.
– Return baking dish into oven and bake for additional 10 – 12 minutes, depending on doneness you prefer.
And voila! You have your baked lemon rosemary chicken recipe served with garlic lemon roasted vegetables. A perfect wholesome dinner that is easy to make but still impresses your guests.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with this recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can try. Here are a few suggestions:
– Vegetables: While red bell pepper and zucchini add great flavor and complement the lemon rosemary chicken really well, feel free to use any vegetables you like. Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and squash all make great options.
– Lemon Variations: Try using Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons for a sweeter, less sour taste. You can also substitute lime or orange juice for the lemon juice if you want to experiment with different citrus flavors.
– Chicken Cuts: This recipe calls for boneless chicken breasts, but you could also use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for a more flavorful result. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Herbs: Use fresh thyme instead of rosemary for a slightly different taste. You can also add some chopped parsley or basil at the end for a pop of color and added freshness.
– Spices: If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. It will give your chicken an extra kick!
– Marinade: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking it. This step is optional but highly recommended.
With these substitutions and variations, you can customize this lemon rosemary chicken recipe to your liking and create a dish that’s uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this delightful lemon rosemary chicken, I suggest slicing the juicy chicken breasts into thin pieces and arranging them on a large platter alongside some roasted potatoes or sautéed vegetables. The dish is versatile, so feel free to pair it with your favorite sides, such as rice or quinoa.
This chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to parties with friends and family. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick and easy meal.
Pairing-wise, you can’t go wrong with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red wine, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving sparkling water with a twist of lemon or fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
Overall, this lemon rosemary chicken dish is sure to impress your guests, while also satisfying your taste buds. So get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a scribe for a home chef who loves throwing parties, I know how important it is to plan ahead and be prepared. That’s why I’m pleased to share some tips on making ahead, storing, and reheating lemon rosemary chicken.
Make-Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time by preparing the chicken and the lemon rosemary mixture in a baking dish and covering it with plastic wrap. Keep this in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Doing so will allow the chicken and herbs to marinate and develop deeper flavors.
Storing: After baking the chicken, let it cool down a bit then transfer it to shallow containers with lids for storage. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To store for longer, divide the roasted chicken into portions, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, freezer bags or air tight containers, then store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: You can reheat this dish easily on an oven sheet pan at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, transfer the chicken onto microwave safe plates or bowls and microwave on high heat for 1-2 minutes per portion or until hot.
Pro tip: To retain moisture when reheating your chicken, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating. This will ensure that your leftovers taste just as good as when they were freshly cooked.
With these tips, you’re now equipped to make this tasty lemon rosemary chicken ahead of time and store leftovers perfectly without compromising on flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Lemon Rosemary Chicken to be a guaranteed hit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips that will help you make the best version of this recipe:
1. Let the chicken rest before serving
When you take the chicken out of the oven, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before carving it up. This will help ensure that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
2. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish
While it might be tempting to cram as much chicken as possible into one baking dish, doing so can actually hurt your results. If the pieces of chicken are too close together, they won’t cook evenly and you’ll end up with some pieces that are dry or undercooked.
3. Use fresh ingredients
When making Lemon Rosemary Chicken, using fresh ingredients is key to achieving optimal results. Fresh rosemary and garlic cloves will impart a stronger flavor than dried, and freshly squeezed lemon juice will add brightness that bottled lemon juice just can’t match.
4. Adjust cooking time based on thickness
The cooking time for this recipe may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thinner pieces will cook faster than thicker ones, so keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.
5. Experiment with different vegetables
While zucchini and red bell peppers are great choices for this dish, don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables as well. Asparagus or mushrooms would be delicious roasted alongside the chicken, or you could even try adding some sliced potatoes for a heartier meal.
By following these tips and experimenting with different flavors, you’ll be able to create a Lemon Rosemary Chicken dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
FAQ
As a home chef, I understand that you may have some questions about this recipe. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken recipe.
What does rosemary do to chicken?
Rosemary is more than just a fragrant herb, it can be multifunctional too. It has properties that make it a great deodorizer, pain reliever, and even a respiratory support for your chicken. Additionally, it can double as an insect repellent. To maximize its benefits, consider planting it within and around your chicken coop.
Do you bake chicken covered or uncovered?
Cooking chicken at home is a simple and stress-free process that doesn’t require much attention once it’s in the oven. Preparing the chicken for baking is the most crucial part of the process, but once it’s in the oven, there’s no need to cover it. Just set the timer and wait until it’s time to check the temperature. This hassle-free method is perfect for busy home chefs who want to serve a tasty chicken dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What happens when you add lemon to chicken?
When preparing chicken with lemon, it’s important to balance the amount of flavor and tenderness without compromising the texture. Overexposure to lemon juice can lead to unfavorable outcomes such as tough or mushy chicken. Prior to cooking the chicken, it’s recommended to pound the breasts evenly to about ½ inch thick. Additionally, it’s important to zest the lemon before juicing it to maximize its flavor in the dish.
Should I soak chicken before baking?
People who reach out to the Meat and Poultry Hotline of the United States Department of Agriculture often inquire about the practice of immersing poultry in salt water. However, such an action is not necessary for ensuring food safety and is purely a matter of personal choice.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this baked lemon rosemary chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves full flavors and juicy chicken. With its simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for special occasions with friends and family.
Whether you choose to make substitutions or follow the recipe as-is, you won’t be disappointed with the end result. The combination of lemon, garlic, and rosemary will leave you with an aroma in your home that’ll be hard to resist.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for boring chicken dinners any longer, give this recipe a try! It’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. And who knows? You might even impress your guests with your newfound cooking skills.
Remember, when it comes to creating a dish that truly deserves accolades, it always starts with quality ingredients and premier culinary techniques. Now that you have both at your disposal through this recipe, grab the knife and apron and put those taste buds to work. Happy cooking!
BAKED LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut in 2 inch chunks
- 2 small red potatoes, quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1 large zucchini or 1 large yellow squash, cut in 1 inch chunks
- 1 large onion, cut in 1 inch chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- lemon juice, of 1 lemon
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian spices
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large 16 inch roasting pan, combine all of the ingredients and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Bake 25-30 minutes. Stir the ingredients and turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the top.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!