YT Recipe

Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken Breasts

Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken Breasts is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $18.09 total, $4.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sauce and brushing)
  • 3 tablespoons Garlic (minced)
  • 0.33 cup White Wine (dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (fresh zest, finely grated)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Dried Oregano (crushed between hands to release oils)
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless, about 6 oz each)
  • 1 piece Whole Lemon (cut into 8 wedges, roasted with chicken)

Instructions

  1. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

    Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds, being careful not to let it brown. Stir in the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and salt. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  2. Prepare Chicken and Baking Dish

    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lightly brush each breast with a little olive oil. Place the breasts in a baking dish, pour the prepared sauce over them so it coats the bottom, and arrange the lemon wedges around and on top of the chicken.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bake the Chicken

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken for about 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface is golden. If the tops are not fully browned, switch to the broiler for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Rest the Chicken

    Remove the baking dish from the oven, loosely cover with aluminum foil, and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and the lemon flavor mellow.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto-friendly, Low-Carb

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken Breasts

Recipe by Food Network

A quick and flavorful oven‑baked chicken breast dish with a bright lemon‑garlic‑thyme sauce, roasted lemon wedges, and minimal hands‑on time. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.09
Total cost
$4.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Do not let the garlic burn while sautéing.
  • • Place the sauce at the bottom of the baking dish before adding chicken.
  • • Roast whole lemon wedges together with the chicken for extra aroma.
  • • Rest the chicken under foil for 10 minutes before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • • Hot oil and garlic can cause burns; keep a safe distance and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • • Handle the hot baking dish with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Alcohol in the wine will evaporate, but keep the sauce away from open flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts in American cuisine?

A

Lemon‑garlic chicken has become a staple of American comfort food, reflecting the influence of Mediterranean flavors that entered the U.S. in the mid‑20th century. The bright lemon and herb profile offers a quick, weeknight-friendly alternative to heavier fried chicken dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lemon chicken in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, lemon chicken is often spiced with cumin and chili powder, while in the Pacific Northwest it may be paired with dill and served over wild rice. The basic lemon‑garlic‑thyme version is most common in the Midwest and East Coast as a simple oven‑baked dinner.

cultural
Q

How is Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven with the roasted lemon wedges on the side, accompanied by roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. The lemon wedges are often squeezed over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor at the table.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts commonly prepared for in American culture?

A

Because it is quick yet elegant, the dish appears at family weeknight dinners, casual pot‑lucks, and even small holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving side‑dish rotations or Fourth of July picnics when a light protein is desired.

cultural
Q

How does Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It blends the comforting familiarity of baked chicken with bright, fresh flavors that have become popular in modern American cooking. The one‑pan method aligns with the trend toward easy, low‑mess meals that still feel special.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, dry white wine, fresh lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and kosher salt. Acceptable substitutes are vegetable oil for olive oil, chicken broth with a splash of vinegar for wine, dried thyme for fresh, and lime juice in place of lemon for a different citrus note.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts?

A

Roasted baby potatoes, garlic‑butter green beans, corn on the cob, a simple coleslaw, or a quinoa‑herb salad all complement the bright lemon‑garlic flavor while keeping the meal balanced.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts?

A

The biggest errors are burning the garlic, over‑baking the chicken, and not allowing the meat to rest. Burnt garlic adds bitterness, while over‑cooking dries the breasts. Resting under foil locks in juices and finishes the cooking gently.

technical
Q

How do I know when Lemon Garlic Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts is done cooking?

A

Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). The surface should be golden‑brown, and the juices should run clear when the meat is pierced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary tips from professional chefs and home cooks, covering everything from quick weeknight meals to elaborate holiday feasts.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Food Network

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