Description
A vibrant and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and fresh thyme. This versatile dish can be cooked using multiple methods including baking, grilling, slow cooking, or Instant Pot, delivering juicy, aromatic chicken perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested (about 1/4 cup lemon juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (or substitute chicken thighs or tenders)
Instructions
- Mix Up Marinade: In a gallon-sized freezer bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces into the bag, seal it again, and massage the marinade around the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the sealed bag with chicken in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption. To avoid leaks, set the bag inside a container while marinating.
- Cook Chicken: Select one of the following cooking methods:
- Bake in Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the dish and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is no longer pink.
- Slow Cooker: Place chicken with or without marinade into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Avoid overcooking to keep chicken tender and moist.
- Instant Pot: Add chicken, marinade, and 1/3 cup chicken broth (for 6-quart Instant Pot) or 1/3 cup chicken broth plus an additional 1/2 cup (for 8-quart Instant Pot) into the pot. Lock lid, seal, and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes. Use quick release when done and drain any excess liquid.
- Grill: Pound chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thickness or slice lengthwise to create even thickness. Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F) and clean grates. Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes per side with lid closed during cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make Extra Sauce (Optional): Instead of discarding leftover marinade, pour it into a small pot and bring to a rolling boil on the stovetop for at least 1 minute to kill bacteria. Watch carefully to prevent overflow. Optionally strain and drizzle this sauce over the cooked chicken before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Use cooking spray on baking dishes to prevent sticking.
- Pounding chicken helps it cook evenly and reduces grilling time.
- Boil leftover marinade well before using as sauce to avoid contamination risks.
- Substitute chicken thighs or tenders for different texture but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) / 2.5-3.5 hours (slow cooker) / 7 minutes (Instant Pot) / 8-12 minutes (grilling)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken, marinated chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner
