Description
This Easy Thyme Chicken Recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken breasts seasoned with a simple blend of thyme, garlic, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. Baked to perfection and optionally broiled for extra browning, this gluten-free and low-carb dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining it, then pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Broil for Browning (Optional): For a beautifully browned and slightly crispy exterior, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs if desired before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or served over a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- For quicker cooking, you can pan-sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side in a skillet over medium-high heat, then finish cooking in the oven.
- Using fresh thyme can enhance the flavor but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent any foodborne illness.
