Why You’ll Love This this Vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken practically cooks itself in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
The combination of lemon pepper, thyme, and garlic creates this amazing aromatic cloud that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a fancy restaurant, even though you’re probably still wearing yesterday’s sweatpants.
Plus, with tender, juicy chicken ready in under 15 minutes, you can finally stop pretending that cereal counts as a proper dinner.
Ingredients List
This Mediterranean lemon herb chicken keeps things beautifully simple with just five pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have lurking somewhere in your kitchen.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4oz each)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
A Few Things Worth Noting About These Ingredients:
- The chicken broth keeps everything moist without adding extra calories or sodium like butter would
- Lemon pepper seasoning gives you that bright, zesty flavor without needing fresh lemons that might be turning into science experiments in your crisper drawer
- Dried herbs work just as well as fresh ones here, and honestly, they’re way more reliable when you’re cooking on a Tuesday night
- This whole recipe clocks in at under 200 calories per serving, so you can actually feel good about what you’re putting on your plate
Step by Step Directions
This Mediterranean lemon herb chicken comes together in just minutes with a simple stovetop method that delivers tender, flavorful results every time.
- Flatten the chicken: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, flatten chicken breasts to 3/8-inch thickness and place in a large skillet.
- Add broth and bring to boil: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Flip and season: Turn chicken breasts over and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
- Finish cooking: Cook revealed for 3-5 minutes longer or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For even better heat retention and distribution, consider using an enameled cast iron dutch oven instead of a regular skillet.
Substitutions and Variations
• Lemon lovers unite: Fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end will make this dish sing.
Because to be frank, everything’s better with more lemon.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
This chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides, you’ll have trouble choosing just one.
- Rice or grains: Fluffy jasmine rice, wild rice pilaf, or even quinoa will soak up those lovely herb-infused pan juices like little flavor sponges.
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or Mediterranean favorites like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and crunch to your plate.
- Potatoes in any form: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes with rosemary, or even simple buttered new potatoes make this feel like a proper dinner.
- Fresh salads: A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers and feta, or just mixed greens with a light vinaigrette keeps things bright and balances the richness.
- Pasta or grains: Orzo tossed with olive oil and herbs, or a simple couscous pilaf turns this into a more substantial Mediterranean feast.
- Crusty bread: Because honestly, is there anything better than sopping up those delicious pan drippings with a good piece of bread?
Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)
Let me share the little secrets that’ll turn this simple recipe into something your family begs you to make again.
- Pound that chicken like it owes you money – Getting it to an even 3/8-inch thickness isn’t just about following directions, it’s about ensuring every bite cooks at the same rate so you don’t end up with rubbery edges and raw centers.
- Don’t skip the flattening step – I know it seems fussy, but trust me on this one. A meat mallet, rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy pan will do the trick.
- Low and slow wins the race – Keep that heat at medium or below once you reduce it. High heat will give you chicken that’s tougher than your last breakup.
- Let the seasoning sit for a minute – After you sprinkle those herbs and spices on the flipped chicken, give them a moment to actually stick and start working their magic before you start poking around.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re nervous – 165°F is your magic number, though the “juices run clear” method works perfectly fine once you get the hang of it.
- Save those pan drippings – Whatever’s left in that skillet after cooking is liquid gold, perfect for drizzling over your rice or vegetables.
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly – Pull it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you start cooking, assuming you remember to plan ahead like a proper adult.
Nutritional Facts
Quick breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving of this Mediterranean goodness.
- Calories per serving: Approximately 140-150 calories (based on 4oz chicken breast)
- Protein powerhouse: 26-28 grams of lean protein per serving – perfect for muscle building and keeping you satisfied
- Fat content: Less than 4 grams total fat, with minimal saturated fat since we’re using chicken broth instead of oil
- Carbohydrates: Virtually zero carbs (less than 1 gram) – keto and low-carb dieters, this one’s for you
- Sodium watch: Moderate sodium content mainly from the lemon pepper seasoning and chicken broth (approximately 200-300mg per serving)
- Cholesterol: About 65-70mg per serving from the chicken breast
- Zero sugar: No added sugars or natural sugars to worry about
- Vitamin boost: Good source of niacin (Vitamin B3), phosphorus, and selenium from the chicken
- Herb benefits: Thyme provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while garlic powder adds immune-supporting properties
- Low calorie density: High protein, low calorie ratio makes this perfect for weight management goals
- Gluten-free friendly: Naturally gluten-free recipe (just double-check your seasoning blends)
Fun “Did You Know?”
Beyond the impressive nutritional profile, here are some fascinating tidbits that’ll make you appreciate this simple Mediterranean dish even more.
Did you know lemon pepper seasoning originated in the 1930s as a commercial spice blend? I find it amazing that thyme contains thymol, a natural antiseptic that ancient Egyptians used for embalming.
The flattening technique I use isn’t just for even cooking—it actually breaks down muscle fibers, making chicken more tender.
Here’s something cool: garlic powder retains more allicin (the beneficial compound) than fresh garlic when heated, making it perfect for this quick-cooking method.
