Garlic Lemon Herb Chicken
- Tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and savory garlic.
- A versatile, easy-to-prepare main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal hands-on preparation time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 4–6 thin lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, juice from 1½ lemons (reserve some for later), rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional Dijon mustard, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
- Pour the marinade over chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Arrange the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Pour any remaining marinade over top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of reserved lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are similar in thickness or pound them to an even thickness before marinating.
- If using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon each.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts, increasing cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 375
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: garlic lemon herb chicken, crispy garlic chicken, zesty lemon herb chicken, herb chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe