Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with just one bite - Ina Garten's legendary Tuscan Lemon Chicken is about to become your new obsession! This restaurant-quality recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this foolproof recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon, juiced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for the chicken once it's prepared.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 3-4 cloves of minced garlic. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves to the mixture, along with salt and pepper to taste. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lemon and olive oil mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This will help lock in the flavors and juices.
- Once both sides are nicely browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare any side dishes you would like to serve with it, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- To serve, slice the chicken and drizzle with any remaining pan juices. Garnish with additional fresh thyme and lemon slices if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Lemon Chicken with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15 minutes works, letting the chicken sit in the lemon-herb mixture for up to 2 hours will dramatically enhance the flavor profile.
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: The secret to perfectly cooked chicken is hitting that 165°F internal temperature - no guesswork required!
- Searing Technique: Get a nice golden-brown crust by ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This locks in those incredible flavors.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh thyme if possible - it truly elevates the dish's aromatic profile compared to dried herbs.Pro tip: Serve with a crisp white wine and roasted vegetables for a complete Tuscan-inspired meal that will transport your taste buds to Italy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
