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Golden-seared creamy mushroom chicken breasts simmering in a cast-iron skillet with fresh rosemary and herbs.

Classic Garlic Herb Chicken

This succulent garlic herb chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, then pan-seared to golden perfection. It's a flavorful and quick weeknight meal that's bursting with aromatic goodness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Herb Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp paprika optional, for color and mild flavor
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow dish or resealable bag
  • Large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed recommended)
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), you can pound them slightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness for quicker and more even cooking. Place them in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag.
Make the Marinade
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Pour the garlic herb marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. Heat a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed works best) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, shaking off any excess marinade (don't wipe it all off, just the drippy excess).
  2. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and a crust forms. Reduce heat to medium if chicken is browning too quickly. Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
  3. Alternatively, if your chicken breasts are very thick and not cooked through after searing, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until done.
Rest and Serve
  1. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Slice against the grain if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve this delicious garlic herb chicken with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or quinoa. For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.