Citrus-Herb Brined Chicken Breast
Infused with lemon, thyme, and garlic, resulting in a juicy, aromatic centerpiece perfect for weeknight dinners. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs boneless chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Know when the chicken is done: thermometers under $100 → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish, then pour 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 3 minced garlic cloves over them, rubbing to coat evenly. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to imbibe into the chicken.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, skin-side up, and bake for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown.
- Step 4: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.









