Oven-baked chicken with lemon

Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Lemon chicken is a dish that brings a touch of sunshine and flavor to any meal. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken with the freshness of lemon, resulting in a savory and refreshing dish. Although lemon may seem like a bold choice, it provides a note of balance and an unbeatable taste. And if you have kids who prefer thighs over a whole chicken, don't worry, this recipe is perfectly adaptable!

The history of this dish is closely tied to Mediterranean culinary traditions, where lemon is an essential ingredient. In various corners of the world, chicken is prepared with different flavors, but the combination with lemon is certainly one of the most popular. The tasty chicken, along with roasted potatoes, transforms an ordinary meal into a true feast.

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (or a whole chicken, if you prefer)
- 120 ml fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- 1-1.5 kg potatoes, cut into pieces
- 110 ml olive oil
- 50 g butter, cut into cubes

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chicken: Start by washing the chicken thighs (or the whole chicken) well. Make sure to drain them to avoid diluting the flavors. Place the thighs in a baking dish, preferably a Roman dish, which will help with even cooking.

2. Marinating: Pour half of the lemon juice over the chicken, then add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all thighs are coated with the marinade.

3. Preparing the Potatoes: Around the thighs, place the cut potatoes. Pour the remaining lemon juice over the potatoes and mix a little to blend the flavors. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, mixing again.

4. Adding the Butter: Place the butter cubes on top of the potatoes. This step will add creaminess and flavor to the dish.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or, if using a Roman dish, with a lid. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the dish for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. In the last 15 minutes, uncover the dish to allow the chicken and potatoes to gain a delicious golden color.

6. Checking: During baking, check if a little water is needed. Generally, the Roman dish retains moisture, so you shouldn't need to add water; the lemon and butter will do their job.

7. A Special Detail: If you want a crispier crust, at the end of baking, you can brush the chicken with a little honey. This will add a sweet note that will contrast wonderfully with the acidity of the lemon.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the lemon chicken alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. A glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal, enhancing the dish's flavors.

Nutritional Benefits: This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, beneficial for the immune system. Potatoes, being a source of carbohydrates, will give you energy and satiety.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other parts of the chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breast or wings, but the cooking time will change.
2. What can I do if I don't have olive oil? You can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
3. Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken with lemon a few hours ahead to intensify the flavors.

Possible Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a distinct note. You can also replace the potatoes with vegetables like carrots or zucchini for a lighter option.

So, I encourage your imagination to soar and personalize this simple lemon chicken recipe, whether you choose to stick to the recipe or want to add your personal touch. Cook with love and enjoy every bite!