Lemon and Tarragon Baked Chicken ππΏ
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Lemon and Tarragon Baked Chicken, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breast halves with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant tarragon. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a high-protein meal that’s ready in just over an hour. Follow along with this easy-to-follow recipe from lovewithrecipes.com and elevate your dinner experience tonight!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, zest finely grated
- 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
- 6 chicken breast halves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a large baking dish with foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup later.
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Melt Butter: In a heavy skillet set over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid and begins to foam gently.
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SautΓ© Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sautΓ© for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter with its aromatic flavor.
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Add Mustard: Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the Dijon mustard until it’s thoroughly combined with the butter and garlic mixture. Set aside momentarily.
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Prepare Coating: On a plate, mix together the breadcrumbs, finely grated lemon zest, and dried tarragon until well combined. This flavorful coating will add a crispy texture and aromatic essence to the baked chicken.
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Coat Chicken: Take each chicken breast half and dip it into the butter mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on both sides. Then, transfer the coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, turning it until it’s completely covered in the flavorful coating.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Once coated, arrange the chicken breast halves in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re placed skin side up for optimal browning during baking.
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Season: Sprinkle the chicken generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. This step adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and golden brown, typically about 1 hour. To ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion, baste the chicken occasionally with the pan drippings throughout the baking process.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
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Enjoy: Serve your Lemon and Tarragon Baked Chicken hot alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, and savor the delicious flavors and aromas of this delightful dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 337.6
- Fat: 23.2g
- Saturated Fat: 11.9g
- Cholesterol: 87.1mg
- Sodium: 236.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.9g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 18.1g
Recipe Notes:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the butter mixture and breadcrumb coating in advance to streamline the cooking process. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by incorporating your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or basil would make excellent additions to the seasoning blend.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Lemon and Tarragon Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best results.
- Wine Pairing: This flavorful chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the citrusy notes and enhance the overall dining experience.
