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–+ servings
two baked chicken thighs over orzo pasta next to slices of lemon.
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4.89 from 34 votes

Lemon Chicken For One

Quick and flavorful Lemon Chicken for one! Marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and baked to perfection.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Resting5 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked chicken, chicken, chicken marinade, garlic chicken, lemon and garlic chicken, lemon chicken, sheet pan chicken, sheet pan lemon chicken
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic -minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • ½ cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
    Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken—if it reads 165°F, the chicken is ready. This helps avoid overcooking and ensures the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.
  • Cook the Orzo: While the chicken is baking, bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil (about 3/4 full). Add the dried orzo and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until tender but firm.
  • Drain and Butter the Orzo: Drain the cooked orzo in a colander, then return it to the pot and stir in the butter until melted.
  • Assemble and Serve: Plate the buttered orzo, slice the chicken, and place the slices on top of the pasta. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Thinner cuts will cook faster, while thicker pieces may need extra time.
  • Garnish for Freshness: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a touch of lemon zest before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
  • Serving Options: While this dish is delicious with orzo, you can also serve the lemon chicken over mashed potatoes, rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 585mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 13.9mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

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