Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken
A simple yet elegant dish featuring a crust of fresh herbs and lemon, honoring the fourth most common surname in U.S. history. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 37 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, zested and juiced lemon, tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 ounces each), boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pound 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning once. Rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Davis' Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken?
Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
