Lemon Rosemary Chicken – Zesty, Garlicky & Weeknight-Ready Recipe
Lemon Rosemary Chicken is a vibrant, zesty, and garlicky dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a fresh mixture of lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and spices, then baked to juicy perfection. This recipe delivers bright flavors with a smoky paprika kick, making it a simple yet delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 slices lemon
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, salt, and pepper into a large ziplock bag. Seal the bag tightly.
- Marinate: Shake the bag thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour, and up to 8 hours to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large casserole dish for baking the chicken.
- Bake chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and transfer it along with the lemon slices and rosemary to the casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Baking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- You can substitute fresh oregano if preferred, but dried oregano works well in this recipe.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
