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.

Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe – Quick, Easy, Family-Friendly 2026

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

Scale

🛒 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