Lemon, White Wine and Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts

If I could cook with any Food Network Star, it would be Ina Garten hands down!  Not only do her recipes include ingredients that most of us have on hand at any given time, but they're approachable twists on classics that we make all the time.  Take chicken breasts, for example.  My usual routine is to take boneless, skinless chicken breasts, season them generously with herbs and spices, and bake them in the oven until they're golden brown.  I wanted to try something new, so I made her marinade for the Lemon Roasted Chicken Breasts, and man oh man did she knock this recipe out of the park.  Well, anything that includes lemon, white wine, thyme and garlic is a home run in my books!  I added my own twist on her recipe by using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts to give a fancy flair to a Saturday date night meal.  Add my Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes for the side, and you'll have one of the best dinners you've ever made!

Most of my favorite savory dishes start with garlic and olive oil...the most divine combination in cooking!  

I moved the garlic and olive oil mixture off the burner, and stirred in white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, fresh thyme, salt and black pepper.  This is one of the best marinades you can prepare, and it only takes a few minutes!

I placed the marinade at the base of a 9" x 9" baking dish, and laid the chicken breasts on top.  Many recipes suggest pouring the marinade over the chicken, but I like this recipe because it allows the skin to crisp up, while the flavors infuse into all of the meat below.  To ensure the skin is nice and golden brown, I rub a little olive oil on top, and sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper.  For a little extra flavor, I like to add some sliced lemon rings in with the chicken...it makes it look even fancier too!  

Into the oven they go for about 45-55 minutes, and you have yourself the best chicken you've ever made!  I like to cut into the deepest part of the chicken breast to ensure that it's fully cooked and the meat is white.  While the chicken was in the oven, I whipped up my Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes; it's basically mandatory because the combination is so perfect!  Try them yourself to impress your date the next time you stay in and cook!