Imagine sinking your fork into a tender, aromatic chicken breast that's bursting with bright lemon and earthy rosemary flavors - a dish so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This simple yet elegant recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress your family and guests with minimal effort. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and discover a foolproof method for creating the most succulent, flavor-packed chicken you've ever tasted.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy exterior and ensures better seasoning adherence.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush each breast with the rosemary-lemon mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to create a uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Sprinkle additional salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken breasts for extra seasoning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - always aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to ensure uniform cooking.
- Let the chicken rest after roasting to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
- Fresh rosemary makes a huge difference - avoid dried herbs if possible for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
