Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 head of cauliflower, grated or riced
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a marinade.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. While the chicken is baking, prepare the cauliflower rice by grating or ricing the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater.

6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

7. Season the cauliflower rice with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

9. Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Cooking Tips:
– Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
– Grated cauliflower works best for cauliflower rice, as it has a texture similar to rice.
– You can customize the herbs in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Thyme and oregano provide a classic Mediterranean flavor, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or basil.