Oven Lemon Chicken
Oven Lemon Chicken offers a crispy, flavorful exterior with tender, juicy meat, accented by zesty lemon slices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with bright citrus notes, appealing to family gatherings or weeknight dinners seeking a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and paprika.
- Melt butter in a baking pan and add the coated chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with butter.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking pan.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces and pour basting sauce over them.
- Continue baking until the chicken is brown and tender, about 30 minutes.
- Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in lemon juice and garlic for an hour before coating them. If you don't have paprika, smoked paprika or even a bit of cayenne can add a nice kick. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep an eye on the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven lemon chicken with a side of Long Grain And Wild Rice-A-Roni for a complete meal. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also complement this dish well. Garnish with additional lemon slices or fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Sunshine for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover oven lemon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the chicken's moisture and crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Lemon Chicken contains roughly 267 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% 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 skin-on chicken pieces for this recipe?
Yes, using skin-on chicken pieces will add extra flavor and moisture during baking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as skin can brown faster. Monitor the chicken closely to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
What can I serve with oven lemon chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious buttery lemon sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can coat the chicken and prepare it in the baking pan a few hours in advance. Just cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you're ready to serve for a hassle-free dinner.
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).