Description
Juicy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken made in one pan! Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a bright and zesty lemon garlic herb sauce. Quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- Create the Pan Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bring it All Together: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the lemon garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each breast evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a minute or two, just to warm it through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Place the lemon garlic chicken on a plate and spoon plenty of the sauce over it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer.
- Sear the chicken properly to create a golden-brown crust.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to create a flavorful pan sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- The lemon garlic sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Leftover lemon garlic chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Add capers, use white wine, add spinach, make it creamy, or use chicken thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes