Zesty Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken Breasts
Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Zesty Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken Breasts. This easy, quick dish combines the bright flavors of fresh lemon and fragrant thyme with tender, juicy chicken breasts. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious meal that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dish for a wholesome meal packed with flavor that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (large)
lemons
4 (slices, thin)
salt
1 (pinch)
ground pepper
to taste
fresh thyme leaves
1 (teaspoon, or dried thyme: 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a shallow baking dish, mix together the olive oil, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the dish, turning them to coat all sides in the oil and seasoning mixture.
4
Sprinkle half of the fresh thyme over the chicken breasts and nestle the lemon slices around them for added flavor.
5
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken over and place a slice of lemon on each breast.
6
Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the chicken, then continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
2g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Zesty Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken Breasts?
The dish combines the bright flavors of fresh lemon and fragrant thyme with tender, juicy chicken breasts.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This quick dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, with a total roasting time of about 16 to 18 minutes.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves with 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 130 calories.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, each serving contains only 3g of fat.
How much protein is provided per serving?
One serving provides 23g of protein.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic clove should be crushed and mixed into the oil and seasoning mixture.
Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
Yes, bake the chicken for 8 minutes, then carefully flip it over before continuing to bake for another 8 to 10 minutes.
How are the lemons incorporated into the dish?
Initially, lemon slices are nestled around the chicken in the dish. After flipping the chicken, a lemon slice is placed directly on each breast.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-carb (2g) meal that is high in protein.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Large boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this specific preparation.
How many lemon slices are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 thin lemon slices.
What seasonings are used besides thyme and lemon?
The chicken is seasoned with a pinch of salt, ground pepper to taste, and a crushed garlic clove.
Can I make this as a weeknight meal?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as an easy weeknight dinner for busy families.
What should I serve with this dish?
You can serve this with your favorite side dish for a wholesome meal.
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional profile indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients used in this recipe.
When is the thyme added to the chicken?
Half of the thyme is sprinkled on at the beginning, and the remaining half is added after the chicken is flipped halfway through cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (chicken, olive oil, herbs, and lemon), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A shallow baking dish is best for mixing the seasoning and roasting the chicken.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe uses olive oil instead of butter, making it dairy-free.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, its high protein and low calorie count make it an excellent option for healthy meal prepping.
How do I prep the chicken before putting it in the oven?
Add the chicken to the baking dish containing the oil and seasoning mixture, turning them to ensure all sides are coated.
What makes the chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon slices and crushed garlic creates the signature zesty flavor profile.