Elisabeth'S Lemon Chicken
Elisabeth's Lemon Chicken is a flavorful, citrus-infused dish featuring tender roasted chicken with a fragrant herb marinade, perfect for lively family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the juice of the lemon (save the rind), olive oil, garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Place the whole chicken in a plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade ('goop') inside and outside of the chicken.
- Shove the lemon rinds inside the bird and seal the bag with a twist tie.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 day, but 2 days is better. Remove the rinds and place the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Skim the fat and pour the marinade ('goop') over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty kick, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Ensure the chicken is well-coated by massaging the marinade into the skin. Marinating for two days enhances the flavor significantly. You can also use a cut-up chicken for quicker cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lemon chicken alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli And Rice Casserole(A Quick And Easy Side Dish For All Occasions) for a comforting dinner. Consider drizzling a little extra olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken right before serving for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For extra moisture, add a splash of chicken broth to the container before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elisabeth'S Lemon Chicken contains roughly 79 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; smaller pieces will cook faster, typically around 30-40 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What should I do if I can't find fresh herbs?
If fresh basil or thyme isn't available, dried herbs are a great substitute. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For a different flavor profile, consider using Italian seasoning or a blend of your favorite dried herbs.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it's sealed tightly in a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed for a flavorful meal any time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).