Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dinner dish: lemon garlic parmesan chicken! It’s one of those meals that fills the house with the most incredible aromas as it bakes. Seriously, the zesty lemon paired with the rich parmesan and fragrant garlic creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Every bite is juicy and tender, making it a hit with my family and friends. I can’t even count how many times I’ve served this dish at gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews! Plus, it’s so simple to whip up—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for getting that beautiful, golden brown finish on your chicken. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—your chicken will thank you for it!
Make the Marinade
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s whip up that delightful marinade! Combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully blended together. The smell? Absolutely heavenly! You’ll want to dive right into that bowl, but hold on, we’re not done yet!
Marinate the Chicken
Next, take those boneless chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour that zesty marinade all over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. If you’ve got time, let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step really helps to lock in that flavor—seriously, the longer the better!
Add Parmesan Cheese
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time for the star of the show—parmesan cheese! Sprinkle the grated parmesan generously on top of each chicken breast. This will add that gorgeous, cheesy crust as it bakes. Yum!
Bake the Chicken
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. I always recommend checking for doneness, especially if your chicken breasts are on the thicker side. They should be cooked through and juicy, but not dry. A meat thermometer is a great tool here—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve
After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial! It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and moist. Serve it up with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad, and get ready for some serious compliments at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some of my best tips to ensure your lemon garlic parmesan chicken turns out perfectly every single time!
- Check the Thickness: If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need to adjust the cooking time. Thinner pieces will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is a game-changer! The best way to know when your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees perfectly cooked chicken—juicy and safe to eat!
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip marinating! If you can, let the chicken soak in that delicious marinade for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. It really enhances the flavor, making every bite irresistible.
- Let It Rest: After baking, always let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This simple step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays tender and moist. Oops, don’t rush this part!
- Pairing Perfectly: Consider serving this dish with a side of roasted veggies, a light salad, or even some garlic bread. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delicious lemon garlic parmesan chicken! Just to give you an idea, here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (that’s one chicken breast):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, it’s a pretty healthy option for a main dish, packed with protein and flavor, right?
FAQ About Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about this delicious lemon garlic parmesan chicken. Let’s dive in!
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a fantastic alternative. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time, so be sure to check the internal temperature as you cook.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce. You could even sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before baking. Spice it up to your taste—your taste buds will thank you!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it super convenient for meal prep, and the flavors will only get better! Just remember to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to pop in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Flavorful: The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan creates a mouthwatering dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish! It’s a surefire way to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of your lemon garlic parmesan chicken! First off, if you happen to have any chicken left after your meal (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let it cool down to room temperature before you stash it away. I like to use an airtight container for maximum freshness—this helps keep that juicy flavor intact!
You can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in a couple of ways. For the best results, pop the chicken back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the chicken nice and moist while giving it a warm, slightly crispy finish.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps prevent it from drying out), and heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds until warmed through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating!
And there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips to keep your lemon garlic parmesan chicken as delightful as the first time you made it. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Lemon garlic parmesan chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon garlic parmesan chicken