Light And Easy Lemon Chicken
Light and easy lemon chicken offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon juice and aromatic tarragon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal, this dish combines bright citrus notes with savory herbs, appealing to those seeking a simple yet flavorful poultry option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast in the center of a 12-inch square piece of aluminum foil.
- Fold sides of foil up so the lemon juice won't run out.
- Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle each chicken breast with 1/4 teaspoon of dried tarragon and black pepper to taste.
- Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of wine over each piece of chicken.
- Fold the foil together and seal well.
- Bake wrapped chicken in a shallow baking dish at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and tarragon for a couple of hours before cooking. You can substitute dried tarragon with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you prefer. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is also great with a splash of white wine or chicken broth for extra moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon chicken alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemony juices. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a side of roasted potatoes or incorporating it into a wrap with fresh greens, similar to the refreshing Tropical Chicken Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or you can microwave it for a quicker option, ensuring not to overcook to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light And Easy Lemon Chicken contains roughly 327 calories, with 24g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). At about 327 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Bone-in pieces typically require about 60 minutes at 350°F to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for aluminum foil?
If you prefer not to use aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper for a similar steaming effect. Alternatively, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with a lid or another baking dish to trap the steam, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This lemon chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare several packets in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just thaw and bake as needed, making it an easy option for busy weeknights. Pair with your favorite sides for a quick meal.
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).