Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken is a fresh, zesty, and comforting dish that brings together juicy chicken with the bright tang of lemon, a touch of garlic, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe comes together in under an hour and delivers flavor without fuss. Pair it with roasted vegetables, salad, or rice for a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Chicken?

Jamie Oliver’s lemon chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring seared or roasted chicken thighs or breasts infused with lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. It’s cooked to golden perfection and finished with a bright lemony sauce that balances richness with acidity.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Banana Pudding
• Mary Berry Cookie Dough
• Jamie Oliver Kimchi
• Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Packed with fresh flavors – Lemon, garlic, and herbs come together beautifully
• Quick and straightforward – Ready in about 40 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients – Nothing fancy or hard to find
• Versatile and family-friendly – Goes with rice, potatoes, or salad
• Healthy and light – Lean protein with fresh ingredients
• Easy to prep ahead – Marinade can be made early for deeper flavor

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Chicken

• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or a few fresh sprigs)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work just as well.
• Lemon: Fresh lemons are essential for both juice and zest.
• Garlic: Adds punch and aroma to the marinade.
• Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and flavor during cooking.
• Honey (optional): Balances acidity if you like a touch of sweetness.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Zester or grater
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large skillet or oven-safe dish
• Tongs
• Foil (if oven-roasting)

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

• In a bowl, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken and coat it well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Preheat your pan or oven

• If cooking on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• If roasting, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 3: Sear the chicken

• Remove chicken from marinade (reserve excess marinade).
• Sear skin-side down in a hot skillet for 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish cooking

• Stovetop method: Add remaining marinade to the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
• Oven method: Transfer the seared chicken to an oven-safe dish, pour marinade over, and roast for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken

• Garlic roasted potatoes – Crisp and fluffy texture
• Steamed white or brown rice – Simple base for soaking up sauce
• Seasonal roasted vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers
• Fresh Greek salad – Bright and refreshing contrast
• Creamy mashed potatoes – Rich side balances the acidity
• Buttery couscous or quinoa – Quick and flavorful options
• Warm flatbreads or pitas – Perfect for mopping up the sauce

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken

• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness
• Don’t skip the zest – It adds powerful lemon flavor
• Marinate longer if you can – Deepens flavor and tenderizes the meat
• Let the chicken rest – Keeps juices inside before serving
• Taste and adjust seasoning – Balance salt, lemon, and sweetness
• Deglaze the pan – A splash of chicken stock or wine lifts extra flavor
• Use a thermometer – Chicken should reach 74°C (165°F) internally

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Chicken

• Add vegetables to the tray – Roast everything together
• Swap oregano with thyme or rosemary – Try different herbs
• Add chili flakes – For a little heat
• Try it with chicken drumsticks – More budget-friendly cut
• Use butter in place of some oil – Adds richness to the sauce
• Make it creamy – Add a splash of cream after cooking
• Grill it – Great for BBQ with smoky flavor

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly – Store in an airtight container
• Consume within 3 days – For best texture and flavor
• Store with sauce – Keeps the chicken moist
• Label and date – Helps track freshness
• Avoid reheating multiple times – Quality declines each time

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken

• Use the oven at 180°C (350°F) – Reheat for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil
• Stovetop on low heat – Add a splash of water or sauce to avoid drying out
• Microwave in short bursts – Cover and heat for 1–2 minutes, checking midway
• Reheat with sides – Combine with rice or veggies for a quick meal

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Chicken Healthier?

• Use skinless chicken breasts – Reduces fat content
• Go easy on oil – Use only what’s needed to coat
• Skip the honey – Avoid added sugar
• Add extra lemon juice and herbs – Flavor without calories
• Serve with salad or quinoa – Lighter sides help balance the meal
• Roast instead of pan-fry – Uses less oil overall

Nutrition Value (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 380mg

FAQs

How long should you marinate lemon chicken for the best flavor?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 4 hours allows the lemon, garlic, and herbs to penetrate deeper for a more intense taste.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for lemon chicken?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. They may cook a bit faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.

Should I keep the lemon zest in the sauce or strain it out?

Keep the lemon zest in the sauce. It adds bold, aromatic flavor and enhances the overall citrus profile of the dish without overwhelming it.

How do I prevent lemon chicken from tasting too sour?

To avoid too much sourness, balance the lemon juice with a bit of honey or sugar and ensure not to overuse the juice. Zest adds flavor without the acidity, helping maintain balance.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken is proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can deliver incredible flavor. It’s quick, adaptable, and sure to become a regular on your weekly meal plan.

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