Lemon and Thyme Quick Roasted Chicken Breasts
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Lemon and Thyme Quick Roasted Chicken Breasts recipe—an effortless blend of bright, zesty flavors and savory herbs. Juicy, boneless chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection before being finished in the oven with a fragrant mix of fresh thyme, garlic, and a splash of tangy lemon juice. A quick preparation time of just 10 minutes and a 20-minute roast make this dish a go-to for busy nights. Served with a comforting drizzle of pan juices and optional garnishes of fresh thyme sprigs and lemon slices, this easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for pairing with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a light salad. Perfect for home cooks craving a flavorful, wholesome meal without the fuss, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of quick roasted chicken with a citrusy twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 piece lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup chicken broth or water
- 4 slices lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them evenly with the salt and black pepper.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts on one side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the lemon juice and chicken broth (or water) around the chicken breasts, ensuring the liquid does not completely cover them.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with lemon slices and thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.0 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 148 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 1209 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.3 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 54.8 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 533 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
