At Eminent Recipes, I’ve always loved creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and perfect for family gatherings. This garlic herb chicken combines my passion for fresh, wholesome ingredients with quick, approachable cooking. From juicy chicken breasts to tender thighs, the garlic and herb marinade infuses every bite with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is designed to be easy, customizable, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic herb chicken is a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles while remaining delicious enough for special occasions. The garlic and herb chicken marinade infuses every bite with rich, aromatic flavors, making it both juicy and tender. Creamy garlic herb chicken over rice or roasted garlic herb chicken on a plate—both are crowd-pleasers. Grilled or pan-seared, garlic herb chicken breast or thighs can be easily customized. This recipe balances simplicity, family-friendliness, and gourmet flavor, making it a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The ingredients in this garlic herb chicken recipe are straightforward but powerful. Fresh garlic, lemon, and a mix of thyme, rosemary, and parsley combine to create a marinade that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. Olive oil keeps the meat juicy, while optional heavy cream and Parmesan make a creamy garlic herb chicken sauce perfect for serving over rice or alongside vegetables. Every ingredient contributes to a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
4 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How to Make This Recipe
Start by marinating your chicken with the garlic and herb chicken marinade. Let it rest for at least an hour to infuse flavors. You can roast, grill, or pan-sear the chicken for tender, juicy results. For creamy garlic herb chicken, prepare a rich sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic, then pour it over the cooked chicken. Serve over rice, pasta, or vegetables. Using fresh herbs intensifies flavor and ensures your garlic herb chicken is irresistible every time.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Combine garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
Step 2: Coat chicken breasts or thighs evenly and marinate 1–2 hours.
Step 3: Cook chicken: roast at 400°F for 25–35 minutes, grill 6–8 minutes per side, or pan-sear 6–8 minutes per side.
Step 4: Optional: Make creamy garlic herb sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan; pour over chicken.
Step 5: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables; garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Cooking Tips
Fresh garlic and herbs make a huge difference in garlic herb chicken. Always taste and adjust seasoning, especially salt and pepper, for perfectly balanced flavor. For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking—use a thermometer to check for 165°F. Marinating overnight boosts flavor, and using both thighs and breasts adds variety. Creamy garlic herb chicken pairs perfectly with rice or roasted veggies. Grilling adds smoky flavor, while roasting intensifies herbs and garlic aroma for a truly comforting dish.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Combine chicken breasts and thighs for texture variety.
Simmer creamy sauce gently to prevent curdling.
Serve immediately for best taste, or store leftovers in airtight containers.

FAQs
What is the best garlic herb chicken marinade?
Combine garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper; marinate at least 1 hour.
Can I make creamy garlic herb chicken on the stovetop?
Yes, sear chicken, then simmer in a sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic until thickened.
What’s the difference between chicken breasts and thighs for this recipe?
Breasts cook faster and are lean, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful—both work well with garlic herb seasoning.
Can garlic herb chicken be grilled or roasted?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken has a smoky aroma; roasting intensifies herb and garlic flavors.
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Garlic herb chicken is a versatile, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs, roast, grill, or make it creamy over rice, this recipe brings out the best in garlic, herbs, and fresh ingredients. Easy to prepare and customizable, garlic herb chicken is a staple recipe that will become a go-to in your kitchen, satisfying both busy evenings and celebratory dinners.
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Garlic Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken seasoned with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal, this recipe works with chicken breasts or thighs and can be roasted, grilled, or pan-seared. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete dish.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
4 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken evenly with the mixture and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight in the fridge for extra flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Oven-Roasted: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast 25–35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grilled: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 6–8 minutes per side, then reduce heat and cover for 5–10 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Optional Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, season with salt and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Pour over cooked chicken before serving.
Step 4: Serve
Plate chicken with your choice of sides. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Notes
- Juicier Chicken: Use thighs if you prefer more tender, juicy meat.
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken the night before for deeper flavor.
- Variation: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the creamy sauce for extra depth.
- Serving Idea: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Chicken
- Method: Roasted / Grilled / Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American / European-inspired
