Quick Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe

This quick garlic herb chicken brings warm inviting aromas and rich fresh flavor with almost no effort. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast, giving you tender juicy chicken in a buttery garlicky lemon sauce that tastes far more special than the time it takes to make. It pairs well with vegetables grains or salads and is the kind of easy reliable meal that makes homemade cooking feel comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients for Needed

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves finely minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 half lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a board and pat them dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and the meat browns well. Set the dried chicken on a plate and keep it aside.

Season the chicken

Combine salt black pepper paprika oregano thyme and parsley in a small bowl. Mix well and sprinkle the blend on both sides of the chicken. Press gently so the spices stick and give the meat a rich fresh herby flavor.

Warm the pan

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm until it begins to shimmer. This means it is ready for searing and will help create a golden exterior while keeping the chicken moist.

Sear the chicken

Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for six minutes. Flip and cook for five more minutes until browned and almost done.

Add garlic and butter

Lower the heat a little and add the butter and garlic. Let the butter melt and mix with the oil and herbs. Stir gently so the garlic cooks without burning. Spoon the buttery mixture over the chicken so it becomes coated and fragrant.

Brighten with lemon

Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and let it bubble with the butter and garlic. This adds a bright fresh flavor. Let it simmer for one minute.

Check for doneness

Check the thickest part of the chicken with a thermometer or cut to be sure it is no longer pink. Once done place it on a serving plate and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley across the chicken. It adds color and a mild fresh note to the dish. The final presentation looks bright and inviting.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is easy to customize to your taste. Add more garlic for a stronger flavor or include a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil thyme or parsley can be stirred in at the end for a bright finish. For a creamier sauce add a little heavy cream after the lemon juice. You can also change the flavor by using smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. The chicken can be sliced and served over pasta or warm rice which absorbs the garlic butter sauce nicely.

Nutritional Information

This garlic herb chicken provides a good amount of lean protein that keeps you full and supports overall health. Each serving has about two hundred sixty to three hundred calories depending on the size of the chicken breast. The olive oil and butter add healthy fats and gentle richness while the dish stays naturally low in carbohydrates. The lemon adds vitamin C and the herbs offer antioxidants. It is a simple balanced meal that works well for everyday eating.

Serving Suggestions

There are many simple and tasty ways to serve garlic herb chicken. For comfort pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes that soak up the sauce. For something lighter add it to a fresh salad with greens tomatoes and cucumber. Steamed vegetables like broccoli carrots or green beans also work well. Rice quinoa and couscous absorb the lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with a colorful vegetable medley or a cool yogurt based sauce. Sliced chicken is also delicious over warm pasta with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions