Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe: Simple & Zesty

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts transform ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that dances with bright, tangy notes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a symphony of robust flavors that elevate the humble protein.

Succulent meat absorbs complex seasoning profiles that awaken taste buds and spark dinner excitement.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver impressive results without complicated preparation.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dish that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting.

Delicate herbs and citrus undertones complement the tender chicken’s natural richness.

Your family will be asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Why Lemon Chicken Breasts Might Be Your New Obsession

• Savor Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of white wine, lemon zest, and fresh herbs creates a bright, zesty profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny coastal kitchen.
• Achieve Foolproof Tender Chicken: The cooking method ensures perfectly juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crispy skin, making it nearly impossible to overcook or dry out the meat.
• Enjoy Hassle-Free Gourmet Cooking: With just one baking dish and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or extensive prep time, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without stress.

Gather What You Need for a Zesty Lemon Chicken Feast

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Skin-on breasts offer rich flavor and crispy texture, best when fresh and plump with no discoloration.

• Lemon, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy flavor that tenderizes the meat and adds vibrant freshness to the dish.

• White Wine: Provides acidic depth and helps create a delicious pan sauce with complex flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil adds richness and helps conduct heat evenly.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that infuses the sauce with deep, savory undertones.
• Oregano, Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that complement chicken and enhance overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the dish's flavors.

Turn Lemons into Dinner with This Chicken Masterpiece

Step 1: Prepare Oven Warmup

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack sits in the middle position for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Infusion

In a small saucepan, gently heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and swirl around for one minute, being careful not to let it turn golden.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Liquid Base

• White wine
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme
• Kosher salt

Step 4: Set Up Baking Vessel

Pour the aromatic liquid into a rectangular baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches).

Step 5: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. Arrange chicken skin-side up directly on the liquid mixture.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Step 7: Add Citrus Companions

Slice one whole lemon into eight wedges. Nestle these wedges around and between chicken pieces.

Step 8: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and skin turns golden brown.

Pro tip: If skin looks pale, switch to broiler for 2 minutes.

Step 9: Allow Resting Period

Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes to lock in juices.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Transfer chicken to serving platter. Spoon remaining pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tiny Tweaks That Take Lemon Chicken from Good to Wow

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Monitor cooking time closely to maintain juicy, succulent chicken breasts without overcooking.
• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemons just before adding juice to capture the brightest, most vibrant citrus notes.
• Crisp Up the Skin: Use the broiler for a quick 2-minute finish to achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Cool chicken completely before refrigerating, ensuring it stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Wrap chicken tightly and freeze for a convenient meal prep option that lasts up to 3 months.

How to Store Your Lemon Chicken Without Losing the Zing

• Cool Completely: Let the lemon chicken cool to room temperature before storing to prevent soggy texture and bacterial growth. Spread chicken pieces on a wire rack for quick, even cooling.
• Vacuum Seal: Protect chicken from freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. This method locks in moisture and flavor, extending storage life up to 4 months. Pack chicken in single-layer portions for easy thawing and reheating.
• Slice Before Storing: Cut chicken into smaller pieces before refrigerating or freezing. Smaller portions reheat faster, maintain better moisture, and make meal prep simpler for quick lunches or dinner transformations.

Fresh Ideas to Remix Lemon Chicken with a Bold New Spin

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary, basil, and mint for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that enhances the chicken's natural taste.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes and swap white wine with orange juice to create a zesty, spicy version that brings extra warmth and tanginess to the dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Infusion: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking and incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the sauce for a rich, savory transformation.
• Honey Mustard Transformation: Mix Dijon mustard and honey into the sauce, replacing some lemon juice to create a sweeter, more complex flavor that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.

Wrapping Up a Bright and Citrusy Chicken Experience

Barefoot Contessa’s lemon chicken breasts emerge as culinary poetry, blending Mediterranean flavors with classic American comfort.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Mediterranean herbs dance with zesty lemon, creating a harmonious symphony of taste sensations.

Chicken breasts absorb rich, aromatic flavors, promising a meal that delights sophisticated palates.

Elegant yet approachable, this dish connects home cooks with professional-level cooking techniques.

Grab your skillet, invite friends around the table, and let each forkful tell a delicious story – share this recipe, comment below, and spread the culinary love!

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s lemon chicken breasts offer a zesty Mediterranean-inspired delight with tender, juicy meat infused with bright citrus and herb notes. Fresh rosemary and garlic elevate this simple yet elegant dish that brings Mediterranean sunshine directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (170–225g or 6–8 ounces each)

Liquids and Aromatics:

• 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) good olive oil
• 80 milliliters (2.7 fluid ounces) dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)

Herbs, Zest, and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating it to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F, ensuring an optimal cooking temperature for the chicken.
2. Gently warm olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, carefully introducing minced garlic and cooking for approximately 60 seconds without allowing it to brown.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate white wine, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, fragrant oregano, delicate thyme, and one teaspoon of salt, creating a flavorful aromatic liquid.
4. Transfer the herbal mixture into a 23 × 30 cm baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Using paper towels, thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning adherence.
6. Position the chicken breasts skin-side up over the prepared sauce, arranging them strategically in the baking dish.
7. Delicately brush the chicken with additional olive oil, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
8. Slice the lemon into eight equal wedges and nestle them artfully around the chicken pieces within the baking dish.
9. Roast the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes, monitoring until the meat is completely cooked and the skin displays a light golden-brown coloration.
10. If additional browning is desired, briefly place the dish under the grill for two minutes to achieve a more caramelized exterior.
11. Once removed from the oven, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute.
12. Serve the chicken immediately, generously spooning the aromatic pan juices over each piece to maximize flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Preserve moisture by letting chicken rest 10 minutes after baking, allowing juices to redistribute evenly.
• Enhance crispiness by broiling chicken skin for 2 minutes if not golden and crisp enough during initial cooking.
• Maximize flavor using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled alternatives for vibrant, bright taste.
• Store leftovers safely by cooling chicken to room temperature before refrigerating in sealed container up to 3 days.
• Extend meal prep by freezing cooked chicken wrapped tightly for up to 3 months, thawing overnight and reheating gently in oven.
• Customize seasoning by adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs to match personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 393 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1,000 mg
• Fat: 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg