Zesty Lemon Paprika Baked Chicken

Ingredients

- 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior. Place them in a medium-sized baking dish in a single layer.

3. Create the Garlic & Spice Marinade:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture well until the ingredients are fully blended, forming a rich marinade.

4. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken breasts. Use your hands or a brush to spread the marinade on both sides of each piece, ensuring they are completely coated.

5. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange the lemon slices over the chicken breasts. The lemon slices will infuse the chicken with a fresh zesty flavor during baking.

6. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Rotate the dish halfway through to ensure even cooking.

7. Check for Doneness:
After 30 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes and recheck.

8. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Serve the chicken breasts with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Preparation Time:
PT10M
10 minutes

Cooking Time:
PT30M
30 minutes

Total Time

PT40M
40 minutes

Type of Dish

Lunch

Keywords

zesty chicken, lemon baked chicken, garlic chicken, paprika chicken, oven baked, quick lunch, chicken recipe, easy lunch, garlic lemon, healthy recipe

Recipe Yield

Serves 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 980

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