Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: lemon garlic parmesan chicken! This dish is a flavor explosion that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Just imagine the tantalizing aroma of garlic mingling with zesty lemon while that parmesan cheese melts into a golden crust on juicy chicken breasts. It’s mouthwatering! I remember the first time I made this for friends; they couldn’t stop raving about it. I was so proud! I love how it brings everyone together around the table, and you can practically taste the love in each bite. Trust me, once you try this lemon garlic parmesan chicken, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home too. It’s perfect for busy nights and fancy enough to impress guests. Let’s dive into the ingredients so you can whip this up!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this; it adds so much flavor!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated if you can, it melts beautifully)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for that perfect richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (feel free to adjust based on your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked, if possible, for extra zing)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (this adds a lovely herby note)
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Alright, let’s get that delicious lemon garlic parmesan chicken on the table! It’s simpler than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through each step to make sure it turns out perfectly.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Give it a good whisk until everything’s blended together. The aroma will be heavenly! This marinade is where all the flavor magic happens, so don’t rush it. Make sure each ingredient is well incorporated.
Assemble the Dish
Now, grab your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour that zesty marinade all over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese generously on top. Oh, that cheese is going to create a delicious crust as it bakes!
Baking Instructions
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep the chicken juicy. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this lemon garlic parmesan chicken is packed with flavor and comes in at about 320 calories. You’ll also get a solid 30 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you full and satisfied. The dish has around 20 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat, but don’t worry, it’s mostly healthy fats from the olive oil. With just 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar, it’s a great option for those watching their carb intake. Remember, these values are estimates, so they may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! First off, yes, you can totally use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer. They’ll be just as delicious and a bit juicier since they have more fat. As for sides, I love serving this lemon garlic parmesan chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad; they really complement the flavors. And if you’re wondering whether you can make this dish ahead of time, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight to let those flavors soak in. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for that amazing cheesy goodness. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients that pack a ton of flavor.
- Perfectly juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy topping.
- Healthy option with lean protein and low carbs.
- Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Flexibility to substitute chicken parts or add your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your lemon garlic parmesan chicken, don’t rush the marinating process! I recommend letting the chicken soak in that zesty marinade for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for a few hours or even overnight. This really intensifies the flavors! If you want to switch things up, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your chicken as it bakes. You want it to be juicy and tender, not dry. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving lemon garlic parmesan chicken, the options are endless! I love pairing it with some steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and crunch. A side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes also works wonders to soak up that delicious garlic-lemon sauce. And don’t forget a fresh salad—something light with a tangy vinaigrette really balances the richness of the dish. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a tasty side, consider making garlic parmesan roasted vegetables to complement this dish.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more about it here.
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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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful chicken dish with lemon, garlic, and parmesan.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: lemon garlic parmesan chicken