Crispy Lemon Basil Garlic Chicken
Savor the delightful flavors of our Crispy Lemon Basil Garlic Chicken, a simple yet elegant meal that transforms a regular weeknight into a special occasion. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays when you want to impress without a lot of fuss. The kicker is leaving the skin and bones on the chicken pieces, ensuring a robust depth of flavor and a perfectly crispy exterior. Bursting with the freshness of basil, the enchanting aroma of garlic, and zesty lemon, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a vibrant assortment of seasonal vegetables for a complete and nourishing meal. This recipe is adapted from Marie Simmons' beloved cookbook, Fresh & Fast, and I often double it for delicious leftovers that make lunch a breeze.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
2 lbs (about 4 pieces, cleaned and trimmed)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh basil leaves
4 large (loosened under chicken skin)
Garlic cloves
4 (mashed slightly)
Lemon
1/2 (cut into 4 thin slices)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Thoroughly clean the chicken pieces, trimming any excess fat. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3
Arrange the chicken in a baking dish with the skin side facing up, ensuring they have ample space for even cooking.
4
Gently loosen the skin on each chicken piece using your fingers and carefully tuck a fresh basil leaf underneath the skin, next to the meat, to infuse flavor.
5
Distribute the mashed garlic cloves evenly around the chicken in the baking dish, allowing the flavor to permeate the dish as it cooks.
6
Top each piece of chicken with a slice of lemon, and drizzle everything with the extra virgin olive oil to promote browning and add richness.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, depending on whether you're using white or dark meat. Baste the chicken with the flavorful pan juices every 10 minutes to ensure a moist outcome.
8
Your chicken is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the meat is tender. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Crispy Lemon Basil Garlic Chicken.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Why should I leave the skin and bones on the chicken?
Leaving the skin and bones on ensures a robust depth of flavor and a perfectly crispy exterior.
How much chicken is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken, which is about 4 pieces.
How do I incorporate the basil into the chicken?
Gently loosen the skin on each piece and tuck a fresh basil leaf underneath it, next to the meat.
Where should the garlic be placed in the baking dish?
Distribute the mashed garlic cloves evenly around the chicken in the baking dish.
How is the lemon prepared for this recipe?
The 1/2 lemon should be cut into 4 thin slices and placed on top of each chicken piece.
What is the purpose of drizzling olive oil over the chicken?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to promote browning and add richness to the dish.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, depending on whether you use white or dark meat.
How often should I baste the chicken?
Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 10 minutes for a moist outcome.
What are the signs that the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown and the meat is tender.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, letting it rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute for better flavor.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is recommended to pair the dish with a vibrant assortment of seasonal vegetables.
Who is the original author of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Marie Simmons' cookbook titled Fresh & Fast.
Can I make this recipe for leftovers?
Yes, you can double the recipe for delicious leftovers that are great for lunch.
How should the garlic cloves be prepared?
The 4 garlic cloves should be mashed slightly before being added to the dish.
How should the chicken be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange the chicken skin side facing up with ample space for even cooking.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is a simple yet elegant meal perfect for busy weekdays.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features the freshness of basil, the aroma of garlic, and zesty lemon.
What should be done to the chicken before seasoning?
Thoroughly clean the chicken pieces and trim any excess fat.
How many basil leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 large fresh basil leaves.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
The recipe is tagged as healthy and uses fresh ingredients.
Are nutritional values like calories or protein available?
The current recipe data does not provide specific nutritional values.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can this recipe be used for both white and dark chicken meat?
Yes, the instructions accommodate both, noting that baking time might vary slightly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, baked chicken, lemon, basil, garlic, dinner, and weeknight meals.
Where do I place the lemon slices?
Top each piece of chicken with a slice of lemon before baking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on 2 lbs of chicken (about 4 pieces), it typically serves 2 to 4 people.