Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a lemon-garlic breadcrumb mixture, baked to golden perfection. The bright citrus and savory garlic flavors make it a vibrant and satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, pairing well with vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, garlic, and salt in a large zip-top plastic bag, shaking well to combine.
- Combine lemon juice and olive oil. Brush over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place chicken, one piece at a time, in the bag, shaking to coat.
- Remove chicken from bag and place in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Sprinkle remaining bread crumbs over the chicken.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until done.
- Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the bread crumb mixture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the dry bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Additionally, marinating the chicken in the lemon juice and olive oil for a few hours can enhance the taste. This recipe is a great base for variations, such as adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon-Garlic Chicken alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Parsley Bake Rice With Vegetables for a comforting side. For a more filling option, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or as part of a hot chicken sandwich filling. Lemon wedges on the side add a refreshing zing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it on medium power, but ensure it doesn't dry out by covering it with a damp paper towel.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Garlic Chicken contains roughly 1549 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 172g fat.
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 thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to bake, around 50-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To add some heat, include a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Alternatively, you could marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce or add some hot sauce to the lemon juice and olive oil mixture before brushing it onto the chicken.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're cooking it straight from the fridge.
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).