Ingredients
For the Garlic Herb Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (substitute: 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (substitute: 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (substitute: 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Caramelized Vegetables:
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for carrots)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This aromatic mixture will infuse your chicken with bright, herbaceous flavors that make this Garlic Herb Chicken truly special. For maximum flavor development, consider preparing this marinade up to 24 hours in advance.
Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the garlic herb marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For thicker chicken breasts, consider butterflying or pounding them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch – this ensures more consistent cooking and better flavor absorption. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, prepare your vegetables. The key to perfectly caramelized carrots is cutting them into uniform pieces – aim for sticks about ¼-inch thick to ensure even cooking and maximum caramelization surface area.
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. If your chicken is sticking to the pan, resist the urge to flip early – properly seared meat will release naturally when ready.
Transfer the skillet with seared chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer eliminates guesswork and ensures your Garlic Herb Chicken is perfectly cooked – juicy and tender rather than dry and tough.
While the chicken bakes, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots first (they take longer), cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add honey/maple syrup to encourage caramelization, then minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until carrots develop golden edges.
Add trimmed green beans to the skillet with carrots, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the green beans are crisp-tender and the carrots are fully caramelized. The vibrant colors of these vegetables will complement your Garlic Herb Chicken beautifully on the plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/American