Description
Succulent lemon garlic parmesan chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with zesty elegance. Crispy, herbed chicken breasts deliver quick comfort and irresistible flavor that draws hungry diners closer to the plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large lemon, juiced (2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a preheated cooking environment at 400°F for traditional oven or 375°F for air fryer.
- Thoroughly cleanse chicken thighs, eliminating excess moisture using paper towels, then transfer to a sealable plastic container.
- Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, rich olive oil, golden honey, aromatic minced garlic, warming paprika, pungent onion powder, fragrant oregano, spicy chili flakes, mineral salt, cracked pepper, and nutty parmesan cheese.
- Allocate approximately three-quarters of the marinade mixture into the container with chicken, ensuring complete and uniform coating through gentle massage.
- Allow chicken to absorb marinade’s complex flavors by refrigerating for a minimum of half an hour, though overnight marination will intensify taste profile.
- Refrigerate remaining marinade for later application as a finishing glaze.
- Position marinated chicken pieces on a prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing between portions.
- Roast in oven for approximately 17-20 minutes or air fry for 12 minutes until chicken achieves golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
- Enhance final presentation by drizzling reserved marinade over cooked chicken just before serving, amplifying its aromatic and tangy characteristics.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting chili flakes to suit personal spice tolerance.
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, reducing cooking time by 3-5 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor penetration, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance taste and tenderness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan for a more vibrant and authentic flavor profile compared to bottled or pre-grated alternatives.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg