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Easy Honey Lemon Chicken Breast Baked with Fresh Thyme

honey lemon chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy baked chicken breast recipe featuring a bright honey lemon glaze and fresh thyme, perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon butter
  • Optional: thin lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
  3. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
  5. Pour the honey lemon glaze evenly over the chicken, coating each piece well.
  6. Tuck fresh thyme sprigs around and on top of the chicken breasts.
  7. Optionally, add thin lemon slices on top of each breast for extra brightness and presentation.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Halfway through baking (around 12 minutes), spoon some glaze over the chicken or flip the breasts for even caramelization.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  11. Serve warm with pan juices spooned over the chicken.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the glaze stick and caramelize better. Use fresh thyme for best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted (use 1 tsp dried). If chicken browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat and butter for richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey lemon chicken, baked chicken breast, fresh thyme chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-honey-lemon-chicken-breast-baked-with-fresh-thyme-recipe-guide/