Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken Breast: 8 pieces (about 2 pounds)
- Fresh Garlic: 6 cloves, crushed
- Lemon: 2 large ones, juice and zest of
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Basil: 1 tablespoon
- Cherry Tomatoes (optional): 1 cup
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a baking dish, place the chicken breast pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and make sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Add cherry tomatoes, if using.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the top is slightly crispy.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice (e.g., pasta, vegetables).
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: Approx. 300-350 (depending on the size of chicken pieces and additional ingredients)
Fat: 15g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 10g (if served with pasta or bread)
Dish Characteristics:
- The combination of garlic and lemon gives the chicken a unique Italian flavor.
- The dish is simple to prepare and can be served as a main course or with other dishes as a part of a meal.
- The chicken remains juicy and tender due to the baking method.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
- "I served this with pasta and it was a hit at my dinner party."
- "I love the way the chicken is so juicy and full of flavor."
- "This is a great dish for a busy weeknight as it's easy to prepare."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. If using frozen chicken, make sure it's fully defrosted before cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more lemon juice or garlic if desired.
- If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to do so (e.g., bell peppers, olives). This will also add more nutrition and variety to the dish.