What is for dinner tonight? It is the classic question that can sometimes feel a little stressful, right? Some days you just need a meal that is simple, fast, and does not require a ton of effort. That is where amazing easy dinner recipes save the day.
This Lemon Herb Chicken is one of those fantastic meals. It is packed with bright, fresh flavor from a super simple marinade. Honestly, you will probably wonder why you did not try it sooner. It is one of the best easy food recipes to add to your regular meal rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this recipe is a true keeper. The number one reason is the flavor. The combination of zesty lemon and savory herbs creates a taste that is both refreshing and comforting. It is light enough for summer but satisfying enough for any time of year.
It is also incredibly straightforward. There are no complicated steps here. You just mix a few ingredients for the marinade, let the chicken soak up all that goodness, and then cook it. The marinade does all the heavy lifting for you.
This makes it one of the most reliable easy weeknight dinners you can find. The prep time is minimal, which is a huge win on busy days. You can even get the chicken marinating in the morning or the night before.
Another great thing is its versatility. This chicken is delicious on its own with a side of vegetables. You can also slice it up for salads, put it in wraps, or shred it for tacos. The possibilities are truly endless, making it great for meal prep too.
Plus, it looks beautiful when it is done. Imagine that perfectly golden brown chicken, maybe with a few grill marks, sitting on your plate. It is a simple dish that looks and tastes like you put in a ton of work, but we know the truth.
Ingredients
The magic of these easy dinner recipes often comes from using simple, quality ingredients. Here is what you will need to get started. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, trimmed
- ¼ cup olive oil, extra virgin
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best chicken ever? Following these instructions will give you juicy, flavorful results every single time. It is one of the most forgiving easy dinner recipes around, so let us get cooking.
Step 1: Prepare The Marinade
First things first, let us get that amazing marinade ready. Grab a gallon size Ziploc bag. This is my favorite way to marinate because it contains the mess and helps coat the chicken evenly. It also makes cleanup a breeze which is always a bonus.
Pour the olive oil and lemon juice directly into the bag. Then, add all of your dried herbs and spices: the basil, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and those little red pepper flakes for a tiny bit of warmth. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
Step 2: Marinate The Chicken
Now it is time for the chicken to join the party. Place your trimmed chicken breasts into the bag with the marinade. Before you seal it completely, squeeze out as much excess air as you can. This helps ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Gently massage the outside of the bag to work the marinade all over the chicken. Once you are sure every piece is covered, place the bag in the refrigerator. You will want to let it marinate for at least one hour. If you have more time, even better. It can marinate for up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
One of the best parts about this recipe is that you have options. You can grill the chicken for that classic smoky flavor, or you can cook it on the stove in a skillet. Both methods work wonderfully and produce delicious results. I will walk you through both ways below.
No matter which method you pick, remember to take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. You do not need to pat it dry, just do not dump the whole bag into the pan or onto the grill.
Step 4: To Grill The Chicken
If you are grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. You want it hot enough to get a good sear but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside cooks. Place each chicken breast directly on the hot grill grates.
Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. The chicken is done when the juices run clear if you pierce it with a fork. It is a simple yet effective test for doneness.
Step 5: To Cook On The Stove
If you prefer the stove, grab a large skillet. Add about two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium high heat. You will know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly. A good test is to see if the chicken sizzles as soon as it hits the pan.
Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, until it is nicely golden brown. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes or so. The chicken should feel firm to the touch when done.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This chicken is fantastic for meal prepping. You can enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches, or you can gently reheat it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Tips
Want to make your Lemon Herb Chicken even better? Here are a few simple tips. First, do not skip the marinating time. Even one hour makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. The longer it marinate, the more delicious it will be.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist. Just tent it with a piece of foil on a cutting board for about five minutes.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes all the guesswork out of it and prevents you from overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
Finally, feel free to experiment with the herbs. While basil and parsley are a classic combination, other herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano would also taste wonderful in this marinade. Making small tweaks is part of the fun of cooking.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile chicken recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. It is proof that you do not need a long list of complicated ingredients to make a truly satisfying meal.
This is one of those easy dinner recipes that works for almost any occasion. It is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal, but it is also special enough to serve to guests. Give it a try, and you will see just how simple delicious can be. It’s a wonderful example of great easy food recipes.
FAQ
What Should I Serve With This Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with so many things. For some great dinner ideas recipes, try serving it with roasted asparagus or broccoli, a side of fluffy quinoa or rice, or a simple green salad. It is also delicious with roasted potatoes.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs would be delicious with this marinade. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly. Thighs, especially bone in ones, might need a few extra minutes to cook all the way through. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
Can I Prepare The Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. You can mix all the marinade ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes prepping for your easy weeknight dinners even faster.
Is This Recipe Good For Meal Prep?
This is an excellent recipe for meal prep. You can cook a big batch of the chicken on a Sunday and use it for lunches all week. It is great sliced over salads, in sandwiches and wraps, or added to grain bowls. It’s one of the best easy dinner recipes for planning ahead.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Enjoy this easy Lemon Herb Chicken, packed with bright, fresh flavor from a simple marinade. It’s a satisfying, versatile dish, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. You’ll love how straightforward and delicious it is.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a gallon size Ziploc bag. Pour the olive oil and lemon juice directly into the bag. Then, add all of your dried herbs and spices: the basil, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and those little red pepper flakes for a tiny bit of warmth. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
- Place your trimmed chicken breasts into the bag with the marinade. Before you seal it completely, squeeze out as much excess air as you can. Gently massage the outside of the bag to work the marinade all over the chicken. Once every piece is covered, place the bag in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least one hour (up to 12 hours for maximum flavor).
- You can grill the chicken or cook it on the stove in a skillet. Remember to take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place each chicken breast directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken is done when the juices run clear.
- If cooking on the stove, grab a large skillet. Add about two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Then, flip and cook for another 5 minutes or so until firm to the touch.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist. Just tent it with a piece of foil on a cutting board for about five minutes.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes all the guesswork out of it and prevents you from overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
Feel free to experiment with the herbs. While basil and parsley are a classic combination, other herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano would also taste wonderful in this marinade.
Nutrition
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Sugar
Fat
Carbs
