“Chicken and chaos” — that’s how Naomi Gehling describes dinner at her house during the week.
“With two kids in multiple after-school activities — dance, karate, gymnastics, and more — our evenings are often spent rushing from one place to another,” Naomi shared. “Weeknight dinners are usually takeout or something quick squeezed in between commitments.”
Naomi and her husband, Chris, have been married since 2008. Together, they have two children: Chris Jr. (CJ), 10, and Aurora, 5. They family loves being outside or when possible, at Disney World.
“We are happiest outdoors — whether hiking through the woods, camping under the stars, or gathering around a campfire making s’mores with our Cub Scout Pack 29 family,” she said. “Both of our children are active members of the pack, and I serve as an adult leader, so Scouting is woven into every season of our lives.”
When the Gehling family does find a slower evening, Chris usually takes the lead in the kitchen, while Naomi focuses on dinner’s “sweet ending” — dessert.
“We chose to share our Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe because it has become a true staple in our home. My husband discovered this dish over a decade ago when we were living in Florida, and it has been a family favorite ever since,” Naomi explained. “A fun fact about our household: my husband and son only eat chicken, so we’re always searching for creative and delicious ways to prepare it. This recipe truly stuck — it’s now our go-to comfort meal that brings everyone to the table with happy plates and full hearts.”
They almost always serve the dish with homemade mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables — usually carrots, broccoli, and green beans. Naomi says the creamy potatoes and crisp vegetables pair perfectly with the buttery lemon-garlic sauce.
Though this season of life is busy, it is also full of love, joy, and togetherness for the Gehlings. Seeing her children healthy and happy — and her family thriving — brings Naomi deep happiness.
“This dish has become a bit of a symbol in our home. It’s one of those rare moments during a busy week when we can slow down, sit around the table, and enjoy a real family meal,” she said. “What makes it special isn’t the ingredients — it’s the togetherness, the conversations, and the rare pause in an otherwise fast-paced routine.”
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3–4 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 Tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp butter (plus 2 additional Tbsp for the sauce later)
- 1 packet of chicken broth powder
Directions:
CREATE THE LEMON ZEST SAUCE
- Add the minced garlic and olive oil to a saucepan. Cook until the garlic becomes lightly browned.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice from the whole lemon.
- Stir in ¼ tsp each of salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture boil down until it forms a concentrated sauce.
PREPARE THE CHICKEN
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Butter the bottom of a glass baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts in the pan.
- Pour the lemon zest sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 16 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 16 minutes, uncovered.
MAKE THE FINISHING SAUCE
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the chicken broth powder and stir.
- Pour in the juices from the baked chicken.
- Stir often until it becomes a rich, flavorful sauce you can drizzle over the finished chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
