Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
A simple yet elegant recipe for juicy, tender chicken breasts roasted with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and garlic. A perfect, flavorful centerpiece for any weeknight dinner, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
TIPA dry surface is key for getting a good sear and color on the chicken, even in the oven.Make the lemon herb marinade.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of one lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the chicken.
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade and turn to coat them thoroughly on all sides.
Arrange chicken in the baking dish.
- Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken.
- Tuck the lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs around the chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken until cooked through.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
TIPUsing a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked—juicy and safe to eat.Rest the chicken before serving.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.
Serve the roasted chicken.
Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced, with a spoonful of the pan juices drizzled over the top.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For faster cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- 2Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Give the chicken space to ensure it roasts rather than steams.
- 3Feel free to add other herbs like fresh rosemary or parsley to the marinade.
- 4If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To lower the fat and calories, reduce the olive oil to 4 tablespoons (1 per serving). The chicken will still be moist and flavorful.
ketoKeto
This recipe is naturally keto-friendly and low-carb. Serve with a side of steamed non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all your dried herbs are certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity.
quickQuick
Slice the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets before marinating. They will cook in about 10-15 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins like niacin and B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism and brain health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The lemon and herbs add flavor without significant calories or sodium.
