Description
Mediterranean herb chicken brings a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate, inviting culinary wanderlust. Crisp herbs and tender chicken create a delightful Mediterranean journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large or 4 medium chicken breasts (or thighs, bone-in or boneless)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (alternative)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (optional)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) white wine or chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Create a fragrant herb mixture by combining finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure optimal herb adhesion and even cooking.
- Generously coat each chicken piece with the herb mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and glistening.
- Optional: For added complexity, sprinkle red pepper flakes and drizzle honey over the chicken for a sweet and spicy undertone.
- Arrange the herb-coated chicken in the prepared baking dish, spacing pieces to allow proper heat circulation.
- If desired, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth around the chicken to create a flavorful pan sauce during roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden, crispy exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Optional: Dot with butter just before serving to add a luxurious richness and shine.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with additional fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Choose bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness, keeping skin on helps retain moisture during cooking.
- Fresh herbs elevate the dish dramatically compared to dried, but dried herbs work perfectly in winter or when fresh aren’t available.
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to allow herbs and lemon to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing overall taste profile.
- For gluten-free and low-carb diets, replace honey with a small amount of stevia or skip sweetener entirely, maintaining recipe’s core flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg