Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken over Pasta

By CarolineNGa

The lemon, thyme salted chicken is good on its own but when the chicken is sliced up and served on a bed of pasta with a savory lemon sauce, does the meal become a hit. This meal also makes great leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce,
• 2 chicken flavored bouillon cubes
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 pound spaghetti pasta cooked al dente and according to the package directions.
• Fresh thyme sprigs as garnish.

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
◦In a small bowl mix the thyme, zest, salt and pepper.
◦Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with non-stick spray.
◦Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet and evenly brush both sides with olive oil.
◦Season both sides of chicken with the lemon seasoning.
◦Bake the chicken in the oven for 30-40 minutes until done. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the chicken.
◦Take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
◦As the chicken rests, prepare the lemon sauce.
◦In a medium sauce pan cook the butter and garlic on medium or one minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
◦Add all but ½ cup of stock to the pan. With the remaining stock, mix in the cornstarch until it has dissolved, then add it to the pan as well.
◦Add the apple sauce, bouillon cubes, and lemon juice to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
◦Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend for 20 seconds until the sauce is smooth
◦Season the sauce with salt and pepper if needed.
◦Pour enough sauce over the chicken to generously each piece.
◦Reserve the remaining sauce to be poured over the pasta.
◦Top each dish of pasta off with sliced chicken and an optional sprig of fresh thyme for garnish.