Lemon Herb Chicken

A juicy, flavorful chicken dinner that’s quick, healthy, and full of bright citrus and herbs.

When it comes to easy weeknight meals that the whole family will love, this Lemon Herb Chicken is always a winner. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple to prep, packed with flavor, and pairs perfectly with just about anything. You’ll love the zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and the way this chicken turns out perfectly tender every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and one baking dish!

• Healthy & clean: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.

• Great for meal prep: Make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

• Customizable: Use fresh or dried herbs, grill or bake—it’s up to you!

I’ve been making this dish for years, especially during the spring and summer months when fresh herbs are in abundance. It’s light, flavorful, and always leaves my kitchen smelling incredible!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture brings bold, fresh flavor without overwhelming the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

Tip: Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours—lemon juice can start to break down the meat and affect the texture.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken in a greased baking dish.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Optional Cooking Methods

Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side.
Skillet to Oven: Sear chicken in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer to a 375°F oven to finish cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is wonderfully versatile. Try serving it with:

• Roasted vegetables or asparagus

• A light quinoa or couscous salad

• Herbed rice pilaf

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Tip: Slice against the grain for the juiciest bites, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes

• Microwave: In 30-second intervals with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist

To freeze:
Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before marinating.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Use 2–3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for maximum flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 36g

• Carbs: 1g

• Fat: 14g

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on the size of your chicken breasts and any side dishes served.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken is the kind of go-to recipe that never lets you down. It’s healthy, packed with flavor, and comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping lunches for the week, it’s always a delicious choice.