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What Are Ideas for Cooking Chicken with Thyme?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Herbs and spices have long been used to add distinct flavor to foods. Added to various type of meat and poultry, herbs and spices can make a meal come alive. Many people prefer to cook with chicken because it acts as a blank canvas waiting for its masterpiece. Cooking chicken with thyme and other herbs and spices can yield delicious dishes that are sure to please many. Many recipes make use of chicken and thyme, such as lemon thyme chicken, roasted chicken and grilled chicken.

Thyme is often used with chicken and other meats because it does not overpower the flavor of these foods and it mixes well with other herbs and spices. Some dishes make use of the entire sprig of thyme, and others incorporate chopped thyme leaves. If the thyme will be used directly on chicken, it usually is chopped. When used in soups, stews or casseroles, a sprig is usually used.

Thyme is a great herb to use when roasting chicken.
Thyme is a great herb to use when roasting chicken.

Lemon thyme chicken is a delicious combination that might be baked, grilled or broiled. The lemon provides a tart flavor contrast to the chicken with thyme. Many people prefer to marinate the chicken in a mixture of oil, thyme, lemon juice, salt and pepper. This allows the flavors to mix well and permeate the chicken.

Roasted chicken is a classic dish that needs just a few flavor components to make it truly wonderful. Chicken with thyme, salt and pepper that is roasted is a great centerpiece for a hearty dinner. Not only does the thyme complement the chicken, it also might complement recipes made with the leftover chicken, such as chicken salad or chicken soup.

Chicken breasts can be seasoned with thyme for flavor.
Chicken breasts can be seasoned with thyme for flavor.

Grilled chicken with thyme is a favorite summertime recipe for many. Other herbs, spices and ingredients can be added to the thyme and can be used to marinate the chicken before grilling. The thyme will meld with the other spices to give a great complementary taste to the chicken.

Thyme can be used either fresh or dried. Chicken with thyme works well with either type. Thyme does hold its flavor well even after it has been dried, so it is possible to make a delicious meal using dried thyme. If a recipe calls for fresh thyme, the cook should note the preparation of the thyme. When chopped thyme is called for, the leaves must be separated from the stem and chopped; when the recipe calls for whole sprigs, the thyme should simply be washed before being used.

Discussion Comments

andee

I have a row of thyme growing in my garden every year. It comes back on its own each year, so I don't have to worry about replanting it every year.

I love to cut the sprigs of thyme and place them in bags and keep in the freezer. That way when I want some fresh thyme, all I have to do is grab what I need from the freezer. This way I have fresh thyme to use all year long.

I have also seen fresh thyme at my local grocery store, and if there is too much to use at once, put the rest of it in the freezer to use as needed. I have a lemon chicken recipe that uses both rosemary and thyme as seasonings, and has quickly become a family favorite.

John57

Many times just adding some thyme and garlic to your chicken recipes can make all the difference. If I have the opportunity to use fresh thyme, that is always my first choice. There is something about the aroma of fresh thyme baking with your chicken. If you don't have any fresh thyme available, using the dried herb is much better than not using any at all.

Thyme is very versatile, and can be used no matter how you cook your chicken. It doesn't matter if you bake, fry, roast or grill your chicken, adding thyme will enhance the flavor of the meat.

julies

Chicken and thyme are just one of those things that go very well together. You will find no shortage of ways to use thyme to enhance the taste of your chicken. Once you get used to using this wonderful herb, you will notice how bland chicken can taste without it.

One of our favorite summertime chicken recipes is kabobs on the grill. I will use thyme along with some olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt and pepper as a marinade for the chicken. Adding the thyme to this marinade is the perfect combination for the chicken and vegetables that will be grilled on the skewers.

I save some of the lemon juice to squeeze over the kabobs when they are done grilling and you have an easy, delicious recipe for the grill.

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    • Thyme is a great herb to use when roasting chicken.
      By: msheldrake
      Thyme is a great herb to use when roasting chicken.
    • Chicken breasts can be seasoned with thyme for flavor.
      By: Christian Jung
      Chicken breasts can be seasoned with thyme for flavor.
    • Thyme leaves may be used as a flavoring for stews.
      By: margo555
      Thyme leaves may be used as a flavoring for stews.
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      By: annie1961
      Chicken Marsala simmered with wine, mushrooms, and fresh thyme.