Lemon and Thyme Reverse Grilled Chicken

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

Tender chicken breasts marinated in bright lemon-thyme, grilled to juicy perfection with a herbaceous crust. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, turning to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon and Thyme Reverse Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 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 Lemon and Thyme Reverse 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon and Thyme Reverse 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 Lemon and Thyme Reverse 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 Lemon and Thyme Reverse Grilled 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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