Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts baked with garlic, herbs, and a citrusy lemon glaze for a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place in a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Rub the garlic-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the edges are golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, drizzling any pan juices over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon?

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 Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon 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 Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon?

Mediterranean chicken 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.

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