Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful dinner option combining tender chicken breasts with a bright lemon and aromatic garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a healthy, one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable with herbs and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the fresh parsley. Having these ready allows for smooth cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Build the Garlic Lemon Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and lemon zest over the finished dish for freshness and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken before searing to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor versus bottled options.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of broth if too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg