Our Favourite Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe: Wonderfully Moist, Tangy, and Unforgettable

Are you looking for a chicken dish that is delightfully straightforward to prepare yet packed with a bright, zesty character? A meal that feels refined enough for a weekend gathering but is speedy enough for a hectic midweek evening? Your search ends here. We are delighted to share a recipe that has become a true staple in our own kitchens: the quintessential Lemon Garlic Chicken.

This is far more than just another recipe; it’s a tribute to how simple, excellent ingredients can create something truly magical. Picture tender, succulent chicken deeply infused with the vibrant zest of fresh lemon, the aromatic warmth of garlic, and a gentle whisper of herbs. The fragrance that fills your kitchen is simply divine, and the taste is one you will want to experience again and again. We are certain this dish will elevate a simple chicken breast or thigh into a culinary delight that your entire family will ask for by name.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• Simple Yet Spectacular: With just a few staple ingredients and very little hands-on time, you can put together a meal that has all the hallmarks of a restaurant-quality dish. It’s our go-to for an impressive dinner without the fuss.
• A Truly Adaptable Dish: This chicken serves as a brilliant centrepiece for a wide array of meals. We enjoy pairing it with fluffy roast potatoes, a crisp garden salad, buttery pasta, or steamed seasonal vegetables. The serving options are practically limitless!
• Nourishing and Light: By relying on the natural flavours of lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish is wonderfully light, high in protein, and avoids any heavy, creamy sauces. It’s a meal you can feel fantastic about enjoying and sharing.
• An Aromatic Delight: From the moment it begins to cook, a savoury, citrus-infused aroma will envelop your home. The sight of the gorgeously golden-brown chicken, glistening as it comes out of the oven, is a moment of pure culinary pleasure.
• A Guaranteed Family Favourite: We have found that the timeless combination of lemon and garlic appeals to everyone. It is consistently a resounding success with both fussy eaters and seasoned food lovers.

The Timeless Magic of Lemon and Garlic

What is it about lemon and garlic that makes them such a perfect match, particularly with chicken? This classic pairing is based on sound culinary principles. The acidity in the lemon juice tenderises the chicken, breaking down the proteins to ensure every single bite is moist and juicy. It also provides a clean, bright note that cuts through the richness and elevates the overall flavour profile.

Garlic, in contrast, lays down a deep, savoury foundation. As it cooks, its initial pungency softens into a sweet, aromatic fragrance that beautifully complements the chicken’s delicate taste. When combined with fresh herbs, this duo creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with layers of exceptional flavour. It is a classic for very good reason, and our recipe celebrates this perfect partnership.

Gathering Your Ingredients

The real charm of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. We are firm believers in using fresh, high-quality ingredients to allow their inherent flavours to take centre stage. Here is the list of what you will need to prepare your sensational lemon garlic chicken.

For the Chicken:

• 4 medium chicken breasts or 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1kg)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil for searing (if using a pan)

For the Zesty Marinade:

• 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large lemons (one for juice and zest, one for slicing)
• 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced or finely grated
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step to a Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken Dinner

We’ve outlined the entire process in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Simply follow along, and you’ll have a magnificent meal ready in no time at all.

1. Prepare the Flavourful Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, the juice and zest from one lemon, the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. This vibrant concoction is the soul of our garlic herb chicken. Stir it well to combine all the elements beautifully.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken pieces completely dry. This is a vital step for achieving wonderfully crisp skin. Place the chicken into a large bowl or a sealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn the pieces gently to ensure they are all evenly coated. For the richest flavour, we suggest marinating in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though 2 to 4 hours will yield even more delicious results.
3. Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6). Neatly arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer within a baking dish or on a baking sheet with a rim. Slice the second lemon and nestle the slices amongst the chicken pieces. This adds a lovely visual touch and steeps the dish in even more citrusy aroma as it bakes.
4. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes if using chicken breasts, or 40-50 minutes for bone-in thighs. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it is golden-brown and the juices run clear. For complete peace of mind, we always rely on a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 74°C, a guideline supported by the NHS Food Standards Agency.
5. Rest Before Serving: This final step is non-negotiable for perfection! Once the chicken is out of the oven, cover it loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This lets the juices settle back into the meat, guaranteeing an exceptionally tender and moist chicken every time.

Our Top Tips for the Juiciest Baked Lemon Chicken

Through making this dish many times, we have learned a few key secrets to make it truly outstanding. Keep these pointers in mind for impeccable results.

• The Key to Juiciness: Avoid Overcooking: The number one culprit for dry chicken is leaving it in the oven for too long. A digital meat thermometer is an invaluable kitchen tool and the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through without becoming dry.
• Embrace Fresh Ingredients: While dried herbs can be used, there is no substitute for the vibrant, aromatic flavours that come from fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The little extra effort makes a world of difference.
• For Perfectly Crispy Skin: If you are using skin-on chicken thighs, we highly recommend searing them skin-side down in a hot, oven-proof skillet for a few minutes. This initial sear helps to render the fat and create an irresistibly crispy texture before you bake it.
• Don’t Waste the Pan Sauce: After baking, you will find a wonderfully flavourful liquid at the bottom of the dish. This is liquid gold! Be sure to drizzle this incredible sauce over the chicken and your side dishes just before you serve.

Delicious Variations to Try

After you have perfected the original recipe, we encourage you to get creative. This dish provides a brilliant foundation for a variety of flavour twists.

• Introduce a Hint of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade to give the dish a subtle, pleasant warmth.
• For a Touch of Sweetness: A tablespoon of honey or pure maple syrup whisked into the marinade will create a beautiful glaze and a delightful sweet-and-sour note.
• Create a One-Pan Meal: Transform this into a complete roasted lemon garlic chicken dinner by scattering chopped vegetables around the chicken for the final 20-30 minutes of baking time. We find that chunks of potato, asparagus spears, wedges of red onion, or sweet cherry tomatoes all work splendidly. For more one-pan ideas, have a look at our easy Chicken Breast And Green Beans recipe.

What to Serve with Your Lemon Garlic Chicken

Selecting the perfect accompaniment can turn a wonderful meal into a truly memorable one. Here are a few of our most-loved pairings.

Classic Comfort

For a meal that feels hearty and satisfying, we suggest serving the chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasties, which are perfect for soaking up all those delicious pan juices. A portion of steamed green beans or tender-stem broccoli makes the plate complete.

Light & Fresh

If you prefer to keep the meal light, pair your chicken with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, or with a serving of fluffy quinoa. This makes for an ideal healthy chicken dinner.

Hearty Grains & Breads

Fluffy couscous, a nutty wild rice pilaf, or a loaf of fresh, crusty bread are all superb choices for mopping up every last bit of the zesty, savoury sauce. You could also slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on toast, taking inspiration from the fresh toppings in our Bruschetta Chicken recipe.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Chicken Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is much more than a simple list of instructions; it is a dependable, delicious, and highly versatile meal that we are confident will become a firm favourite in your household. It serves as a beautiful reminder that you don’t need complex methods or obscure ingredients to produce something truly wonderful. With its bright, zesty flavour and exceptionally juicy texture, it’s a dish that brings pure comfort and a little bit of joy to the dinner table.

So, we warmly invite you to give this recipe a go this week! We are sure you will fall in love with it, just as we have. When you do, please let us know how you got on. You can leave a comment below or tag us in your pictures on social media—we always love to see what you’ve been cooking!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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A wonderfully simple and flavourful weeknight dinner, this lemon garlic chicken is baked to juicy perfection with zesty lemons and fragrant herbs. It’s a guaranteed family favourite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts (or 6-8 thighs)
• 60ml extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large lemons, one zested and juiced, one sliced
• 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place chicken in a large bowl or bag, pour over the marinade, and toss to coat. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and tuck lemon slices around it.
4. Bake for 25-35 minutes (for breasts) or 40-50 minutes (for thighs), until golden and cooked through (74°C internal temperature).
5. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 25g