1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
2. Marinate:
- Create Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for better infusion of flavors, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Remember to bring the chicken back to room temperature before baking.
3. Arrange for Baking:
- Lemon Slices: Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the marinated chicken breasts. This will infuse additional lemon flavor as the chicken bakes.
- Add Extras: If you enjoy a more robust flavor, you can add extra herbs or even a sprinkle of chili flakes on top of the chicken before baking.
4. Bake:
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and juices run clear. Baking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Basting: Halfway through the baking process, baste the chicken breasts with the juices collected in the dish to ensure they remain moist and flavorful.
5. Rest and Serve:
- Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is succulent.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot. Baked Lemon Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or a serving of quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious lemony sauce.
Additional Tips
- Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you have the time, marinating overnight will deeply infuse the chicken with the lemon and herb flavors.
- Lemon Zest: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the marinade.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly. The thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy your homemade Baked Lemon Chicken, a dish that promises a burst of flavors and a delightful dining experience with every bite.