Lemon-Herb Chicken

Baked or Grilled, this easy marinade and cooking method make this meal a crowd pleaser.

I live in a place that has two seasons: Winter and August. When the weather is warm enough for me to break out flips flops and t-shirts, the last thing I want to do I spend hours in the kitchen. Mealtime - something I spend hours preparing for and thinking about in the winter months - becomes an exercise in speed. I serve quick and easy meals that require a minimum amount of indoor activity. That is why we end up eating a lot of bean burritos and quesadillas. On occasion, the Do-Little Tribe begs for a more substantial meal. When that happens, I turn to a favorite summer staple: Lemon-herb chicken. It is the ideal companion to Perfect Pistachio Pesto

Sadly, this dish requires a little planning. Luckily, not much. Chicken is a great meat to marinate because it soaks up the flavor quickly. I prefer to marinate overnight but when outdoor activities get in the way, 30 minutes is usually enough to make this meal tasty.

It’s amazing what three simple ingredients can do. Counting the marinating time, this meal can be made in less than an hour. Leaving me plenty of time for outdoor fun.

As an added bonus, this meat can be cooked two ways: baked or grilled. I love the smoky flavor of grilled meat. But sometimes grilling isn’t a viable option. When that happens, I cook the chicken in the oven.

Step One: Trim the chicken. Trimming away fat and cutting the breast to an even thickness.

An even thickness will speed cooking and marinating time

Step Two: Add lemon juice and olive oil. Marinate and Wait. At least 30 minutes, no more than 4 hours.

Step Three: Cook. This meat is excellent grilled or baked. Both choices are good ones.

To bake: Place the meat on a baking sheet generously greased with olive oil (this prevents the meat from sticking the the pan). Sprinkle with seasoning mix. Bake 15 min. Turn the meat over sprinkle with more seasoning. Bake an additional 10 - 15 min. (until juices run clear)

To grill: Preheat the grill. When the temperature is above 500 degrees, place the meat on the grill. Sprinkle with seasoning. Cook for 2 min, turn the chicken over. Season the other side, cook for 2 min. more. (This “sears” the meat. Cooking the outside quickly and keeping the juices inside.) Reduce the heat to medium and cook chicken 10 - 12 min. per side.

Step Four:  Let the chicken rest 15 min. before cutting. Enjoy

Two simple ingredients: one great dish

Lemon-Herb Chicken

Serves 4

1 ½ lbs. Boneless, skinless chicken breast

½ c. Lemon juice

2 Tbs. Olive oil

1 ½ tsp. Salt-free seasoning (I prefer Mrs. Dash)

Combine chicken, lemon juice and olive oil in a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Place chicken on a sheet generously grease with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, turn chicken over, season bake 15 minutes more.

Let meat rest 15 min. before slicing.