Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy sensation with just a few simple ingredients. This Chicken with Thyme and Garlic recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With its golden-brown crust, aromatic herbs, and perfectly tender meat, this Italian-inspired dish proves that culinary magic can happen right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mince garlic cloves finely and chop fresh thyme leaves to release their aromatic oils.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to ripple.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip chicken breasts and immediately add minced garlic and chopped thyme to the pan.
- Continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes, basting chicken with pan juices and herbs.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over chicken just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Slice chicken and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Tips
- • Temperature is key: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.• The secret to a crispy exterior is dry chicken! Pat those breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear.• Don't rush the cooking process. Medium-high heat and patience will give you that perfect crust and juicy interior.• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked perfectly - 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for food safety and optimal tenderness.• The lemon juice added at the end isn't just for flavor - it brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the chicken.• Fresh herbs make a world of difference. If possible, use fresh thyme rather than dried for maximum flavor impact.• Let the chicken rest after cooking. Those 5 minutes allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as succulent as possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
