Why Everyone’s Obsessed with This 20-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic and lemon zest.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium–high heat.

Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 74 °C/165 °F).

Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and cook for an additional 1 minute, spooning pan juices over the top.

Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts  (about 1½ pounds)
  • Look for evenly sized breasts so they cook at the same rate.
  • For an even faster cook, you can butterfly thicker breasts or gently pound them to a uniform thickness.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Virgin olive oil brings authentic Mediterranean character and helps the herbs adhere.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh garlic adds pungent depth—avoid pre-minced jars if you can.
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon  (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • The lemon zest infuses aromatic oils; the juice brightens each forkful.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Dried Mediterranean herbs concentrate flavor, but you can substitute 1 tablespoon each of fresh oregano and thyme if available.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper  to taste
  • Season generously to ensure your juicy grilled chicken breast  stays moist and flavorful.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley  for garnish
  • It is not required but adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.

1. Season and Marinate (Prep time: 8 minutes)
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
   • Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the lemon herb marinade  in a small bowl.
   • Rub the marinade all over each chicken breast. If you have extra time, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to deepen the flavor; otherwise, proceed directly to cooking.
2. Heat the Pan
   • Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to become hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
3. Sear the Chicken (Cook time: 12 minutes total)
   • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat.
   • Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet, leaving space between each piece.
   • Cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes until the underside develops a golden-brown crust—the hallmark of a juicy grilled chicken breast  even on the stovetop.
4. Flip and Finish
   • Flip each chicken breast and cook for another 5–6 minutes. An instant-read thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) .
   • In the final minute, squeeze extra lemon juice over the top and tilt the pan slightly, spooning the pan juices over each breast for extra flavor.
5. Rest and Garnish
   • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or serving platter. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving to enhance the visual appeal and freshness.

• Quick-Marinated Chicken:  Marinate at room temperature for at least 5 minutes if pressed for time.
• Deep-Flavor Option:  Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours—ideal for batch cooking or entertaining.

This Mediterranean lemon herb chicken breast  pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Greek Salad:  Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar.
• Herbed Couscous or Quinoa:  Fluffy grains seasoned with chopped mint and parsley complement the chicken's bright citrus notes.
• Roasted Vegetables:  Try asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes:  Creamy and comforting, with a hint of roasted garlic to bridge Mediterranean and classic American flavors.

As a lean protein source , chicken breast provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. When paired with heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs, this recipe becomes a nutritious staple in any balanced diet:

• Low in Fat:  Removing the skin significantly reduces saturated fat content.
• Rich in Protein:  Four ounces of cooked chicken breast deliver about 26 grams of protein.
• Vitamin B Complex:  Supports energy production and brain health.
• Minerals:  Provides selenium and phosphorus, which are critical for immune function and bone health.

• Refrigerator:  Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer:  Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating:  Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or in a 300 °F oven until heated through—this prevents dryness.

This Mediterranean lemon herb chicken breast recipe  ticks every box for busy home cooks: it's quick , healthy , and flavorful . Whether seeking a juicy grilled chicken breast , a simple weeknight dinner idea , or a make-ahead meal prep  solution, this dish never disappoints. Bookmark this guide, gather ingredients and transform everyday chicken breasts into a culinary standout.

Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors and savor every moist, herby bite—your new go-to chicken breast recipe awaits!