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Plate of herbed lemon chicken breasts garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

A delightful dish that features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 4 large large chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) These meaty pieces are the stars of our dish.
Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Adds richness and helps the herbs cling to the chicken.
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed for a zesty punch.
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon Provides an additional layer of citrus flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed) Adds a wonderful boldness.
  • 1 tsp oregano Imparts a warm, earthy flavor.
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herbs Enhances the overall taste.
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves Adds a fragrant touch.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp chili/red pepper flakes Adds a subtle kick.
  • 2 tsp salt Essential for flavor enhancement.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by placing the chicken breasts between two layers of parchment or baking paper and flatten them slightly using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, dried mixed herbs, thyme, paprika, chili flakes, and salt to create the marinade.
Marinating
  1. Place the flattened chicken in a glass container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet, pan, or grill over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  2. Remove the chicken from the heat and cover with foil. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. For more herb flavor, add additional fresh herbs. Consider adding extra lemon zest or juice to your serving sauce for zing.