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Lemon Chicken Skillet

Lemon Chicken Skillet

A quick and easy Lemon Chicken Skillet recipe that offers bright, zesty flavors balanced with tender chicken, cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simple ingredients with fresh lemon juice and herbs to create a light yet satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps develop a nice crust during cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant but not brown, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of dried herbs. Stir and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Just before serving, stir in a tablespoon of butter to make the sauce silky and rich.

Notes

  • Dry chicken well to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; remove at 165°F internal temperature for tenderness.
  • Deglaze the pan properly by scraping browned bits to add rich flavor to the sauce.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: lemon chicken, skillet chicken, quick dinner, gluten free, one pan meal, weeknight recipe, lemon sauce chicken