Lemon Chicken for Two

     Ina Garten made Lemon Chicken on a recent episode of “Barefoot Contessa”. The recipe sounded good so I adapted it for two, making a few changes here and there.

     It was delicious and easy + I assembled it early afternoon and put it in the refrigerator to marinate. Pulled it out about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. As it baked, I cooked quinoa in chicken broth (about 15 minutes total cooking time) and steamed green beans. Barry loved the meal . . . as did I.

     And now for a commercial break —Yes, despite the summer heat, I did turn on the oven . . . but not our big oven! Our Breeville portable Smart Oven works like a full-size one without heating up the entire kitchen. Definitely a great purchase!

Lemon Chicken Breasts    Serves 2

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves minced garlic

3 to 4 tablespoons dry white wine

Grated lemon zest from l lemon

Juice squeezed from ½ lemon; remaining half to be quartered and add to chicken as it bakes

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano,

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

1.     Preheat the oven to 375°.

2.     Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute -- don't allow the garlic to turn brown. Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and ½ teaspoon salt; pour into a 8”x8” baking dish.

3.     Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Add the half of a lemon (that has been quartered) to the baking dish.

4.     Bake for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn't browned enough, put it under the broiler for 2 minutes. Serve hot with the pan juices.

Nutritional Analysis per serving (about 250g): Calories 437, Fat 19.8g (Saturated Fat 3.6g, Cholesterol 145mg), Sodium 420mg, Carbohydrate 3.5g (Fiber 0.8g) Protein 53.3g, Vit A 3%, Calcium 8%, Vit C 4%, Iron 18%.

For Ina's original recipe that serves 4 . . .

Lemon Chicken Breasts Recipe : Ina Garten : Food Network