Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb Chicken

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

Simmered gently in a bright lemon-herb broth until perfectly moist and infused with fresh flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, small onion, finely diced, garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, then add 1 tbsp fresh thyme and 1 tbsp fresh rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously).
  4. Step 4: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Strain the sauce, discarding solids, and return to the skillet. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Slice the chicken and serve with the reduced sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb 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 Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb 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 Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb 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 Low-Simmered Lemon-Herb Chicken?

American 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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