Herb-Roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts infused with lemon zest and garlic, roasted to golden perfection with a herby crust. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, (zest and 1/2 cup juice) lemon, (minced) garlic 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and minced garlic. Brush mixture over chicken.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden.
  5. Step 5: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with remaining thyme and lemon slices.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Herb-Roasted Lemon Garlic 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

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

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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