Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in a flash? Then look no further! This Lawry's Lemon Pepper Marinade Chicken recipe is your new go-to for quick and easy weeknight dinners. It's packed with zesty lemon flavor and a satisfying pepper kick, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup Lawry's Seasoned Lemon Pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Lawry's Seasoned Lemon Pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and pepper. This homemade marinade is the key to incredibly flavorful chicken!
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they're fully coated in the marinade. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. A longer marinade time (up to 4 hours) will result in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
Cooking the Chicken:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can also cook this on the grill or in a skillet.
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Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a grill. If baking, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling, cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If pan-frying, cook for about 5-7 minutes per side in a medium-high heat pan with a little oil.
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven/grill/pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If baking or pan-frying, make sure the chicken pieces aren't crowded. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.
- Rest the chicken: Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lime juice for some or all of the lemon juice for a different citrus profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on chicken size and cooking method)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This Lawry's Lemon Pepper Marinade Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily prepare at home. It's a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!