Introduction

This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with bright flavors from garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s a simple, quick dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

The image shows a white plate with four pieces of golden brown grilled chicken, each topped with fresh green chopped herbs. The chicken has a glossy surface from a light creamy sauce that pools around the bottom of each piece, adding a smooth, pale yellow layer under the chicken. The herbs provide a contrast with their bright green color and small chopped texture, scattered evenly on top of the grilled chicken. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface, and the background is softly blurred with warm light and greenery. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish, pouring any leftover marinade on top.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a mild kick.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, doubling the quantity for a more vibrant taste.
Grill the chicken instead of baking for smoky flavor and grill marks.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the meat. This chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with four pieces of cooked chicken breasts arranged close together, each piece lightly browned with a slightly crispy texture on top and covered with creamy yellow sauce. The chicken is garnished with finely chopped green herbs, scattered evenly over the surface. The sauce pools around the chicken on the plate, creating a smooth, glossy layer beneath the pieces. The background is softly blurred with a green plant visible, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay moist during cooking. Adjust cooking time to about 25-30 minutes depending on thickness.

How can I make the chicken more tender?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but not more than 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate without breaking down the meat too much. Also, letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is a tender, juicy chicken dish infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, finished with a subtle touch of honey for a perfect balance of flavors. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a delicious main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, up to 2 hours for best results.
Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it gently in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes for a delicious meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Try swapping thyme or rosemary for other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile.
Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken breast, garlic chicken, lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, skillet chicken